The Stoke City supporters in the Football Transfer Tavern are looking forward to the upcoming game against Sunderland.

The Potters have had a tough start to the season, but after getting a result against Manchester United, the Stoke fan at the bar is very confident that his side is going to get a win.

Stoke have been very consistent over the years, finishing ninth in the last three seasons, and so they are going to be confident that they are going to start climbing the table soon, and they will be looking to start that ascent against the Black Cats.

The Transfer Tavern landlord runs through the team that could start for Stoke City against Sunderland, and why they will come out of the game with the three points.

Who would you start if you were Mark Hughes and what do you think will be the outcome of Stoke’s meeting with Sunderland? Let us know……

GOALKEEPER: Lee Grant

Stoke had looked as though they were desperately missing their first choice goalkeeper Jack Butland, but Grant’s heroic display against Manchester United is giving Stoke fans a bit more confidence.

He has only just signed from Derby County, but he has already staked a claim for the outright number one spot and if he is able to continue the form he showed at Old Trafford, then he could be very hard to drop, even when Butland does come back.

RIGHT BACK: Glen Johnson

Johnson is confident defensively and can also cause problems when he goes forward and he will be feeling good after getting an England call up, despite the fact that he had to return home.

Johnson has famously scored some incredible goals and could potentially do this again.

He is not just about the spectacular moments and he will be a reliable player for his team and as long as he has recovered from the injury he picked up on England duty, he will definitely help his side overcome Sunderland.

CENTRE BACK: Ryan Shawcross

A very reliable centre back, Ryan Shawcross will lead the Stoke defence and make sure that Sunderland have trouble getting any sort of goalscoring opportunity.

He has a massive presence, is good at tackling and is good in the air and so he is a vital part of the Stoke City defence.

His aerial presence also makes him a threat from set pieces and could help him get a goal.

CENTRE BACK: Bruno Martins Indi

There have been times where Bruno Martins Indi has looked shaky in a Stoke shirt already, although it seems that he is beginning to grow into his role at the Premier League side.

With Ryan Shawcross next to him, the Dutch international will continue to improve and will start showing the Premier League just how good he can be, starting with a good performance in the Sunderland game.

LEFT BACK: Erik Pieters

Pieters has tied down the starting spot at Stoke City and will be a solid player for his side, completing what is a very good defence that will be difficult for Sunderland to get past.

He is tall for a full back and so this will help his side when defending at set pieces.

He is also good going forward and his deliveries into the box could get him an assist against a defence that can be shaky at times.

 

HOLDING MIDFIELDER: Joe Allen

Assuming he is fit for the clash, Allen simply has to start.

Joe Allen is on fire at the moment and has managed to score Stoke’s equaliser against Manchester United, and also bagged a spectacular goal in Wales’ 2-2 draw with Austria.

He will look to get on the scoresheet again, but will also be industrious in defence as well as composed and efficient on the ball and will help ensure that Stoke are able to dominate the ball.

HOLDING MIDFIELDER: Geoff Cameron

The American international has given some impressive performances since moving from centre back to the holding midfield role.

There have been times where he has been unlucky, like when his tackle on Wayne Rooney fell to Anthony Martial for the Frenchman to score the Red Devils’ goal against Stoke.

However, if he is given more time to settle in the role then he should excel there and he could be an important player when it comes to dealing with any threat Sunderland has.

RIGHT WINGER: Xherdan Shaqiri

The former Inter Milan and Bayern Munich man is capable of some spectacular moments and Stoke supporters will be hoping that Shaquiri will be able to produce one of them against Sunderland.

The Swiss international is brilliant technically but can be guilty of fading out of matches, something that he does to regularly.

If he avoids that then he could be the man that seals the victory for Stoke this weekend.

ATTACKING MIDFIELDER: Bojan

He didn’t get to play in the game against Manchester United, but in a game where he would be afforded a bit more freedom, he could come back into the Stoke side for the Sunderland match.

If Bojan manages to get himself into little pockets of space and dictate the play, then Sunderland could find themselves having a very tough day at the office.

Wilfried Bony hasn’t had as much service as he would like, but that could change if the Spaniard comes into the side.

LEFT WINGER: Marko Arnautovic

After scoring for Austria in their 2-2 draw against Wales, Marko Arnautovic will be looking to add to that with a goal for Stoke City.

He has not been at his best for his club so far this season, but after being boosted by a goal for his country Stoke fans could be in for a treat from one of their star men.

He is capable of scoring from range and being dangerous in and around the box, so will be a constant threat that Sunderland are going to have to find a way to deal with.

STRIKER: Wilfried Bony

Wilfried Bony hasn’t managed to score for Stoke City yet, but he will be looking to change that this weekend.

He hasn’t been as clinical as he was at Swansea City since his move to Manchester City, however if he manages to get a goal against Sunderland, the confidence gained from that could see him get on the scoresheet a lot more often.

Even if he doesn’t score, he will definitely be a nuisance, as his power will force the Sunderland defence to work very hard to try to contain him.