Our Landlord in the Transfer Tavern has been surprised about Stoke City’s inconsistency so far this season.

The 1-0 defeat against West Brom last weekend would have been particularly disappointing for Mark Hughes’ men as a trip to The Hawthorns is viewed as a winnable game by many Potters punters sitting at the bar.

There is no doubt that Stoke possess quality within their squad, especially in the attacking sense with new signing Saido Berahino adding to the strength formulated by Xherdan Shaqiri and Marko Arnautovic.

But the under-performing has led to our landlord asking the question to our regular Stoke punters whether Hughes make changes and potentially get some different personnel in to the team?

With all that said, there are always dead certainties that should always keep their place in teams. Here are two players that should be sure of their place in the Stoke side against Crystal Palace this weekend…

Saido Berahino

Berahino is a player who has divided opinion amongst many of our regulars in the Transfer Tavern for many a reason.

There is no doubting his ability as a natural striker and Berahino is chomping at the bit to prove himself at the Bet365 Stadium. Our resident Stoke punters are willing on Mark Hughes to let the former West Brom man loose against a Palace defence which has leaked goals this season and could prove the perfect catalyst for Berahino to put together a goal scoring run of form.

Mame Biram Diouf

Diouf has recently returned from AFCON where he was representing Senegal, and even though Hughes has many options in Ibrahim Afellay and Shaqiri in the wide right position, Stoke fans would love to see the selfless Diouf regain his place there.

Diouf has become a fans favourite amongst our resident Potters fans due to his high work-rate and against a Palace side who may well play with wing backs, the Senegalese star could well be the man to exploit the space in behind.

Thoughts, Stoke fans? Let us know below!