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PREMIERSHIP TEAM PREVIEWS
STOKE CITY FC
Coach: Tony Pulis (Wal)
This will be Welshman Tony Pulis’ first year in charge of a club in the top flight after spells at Bournemouth, Bristol City, Plymouth, Gillingham and Portsmouth in 16 years of club management.
His lack of experience may hinder Stoke’s survival chances, but Pulis has a history of saving unfancied sides from the drop – albeit in the lower divisions.
Pulis has led Stoke back into the top flight of English football after a 23 year absence.
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Recent record: (Pos); Pl; W-D-L; F-A; Pts
2007/08: (Championship, 2nd); 46; 21-16-9; 69-55; 79
2006/07: (Championship, 8th); 46; 19-16-11; 62-41; 73
2005/06: (Championship, 13th); 46; 17-7-22; 54-63; 58
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Good:
Stoke lost the least number of games in the Championship last season, with 9 losses all season.
Signings Thomas Sorensen and Dave Kitson could prove to be very useful, with both players having a good amount of experience at the top level of English football.
Stoke’s player of the year, Liam Lawrence scored 14 goals from midfield last season and he has something to prove in the Premiership.
Bad:
This season will be Stoke’s first in the top flight for 23 years and Tony Pulis’ first in 16 years of management; with many of Stoke’s side also having zero Premiership experience, Stoke could take a while to settle into the faster pace and higher standard of football.
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Transfers, Loans, Retirements...
IN: Thomas Sorensen (free), Seyi George Olofinjana (Wolves), Dave Kitson (Reading).
OUT; Marlon Broomes (Blackpool).
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Star Player:
In four and a half years at Reading, striker Dave Kitson had a very good scoring record (54 goals in 134 games) and as Stoke’s record signing at £5.5 million, he will be needed to reproduce that kind of goalscoring form if Stoke are not to drop back down to the Championship.
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Summary:
Stoke’s side lack obvious quality and star names, but in that respect they are similar to Reading in their first year in the Premiership in 2006/7, when they finished 8th.
While that sort of a league performance is highly unlikely, Reading had a very strong work ethic and were not afraid to play ugly to gain results – Stoke have a similar style, which might make former Reading striker Dave Kitson a shrewd signing.
Realistically, though, Stoke will find it tough going and it will take a Herculean effort to save themselves from the drop.
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TO WIN PREMIERSHIP:
Bet on Stoke to win Premiership: $7,501.00 @ Bet365
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Match Previews 20-22 December:
Betzine UK is covering just the 15 games this weekend, with the Bundesliga shutting for the winter break.
Among the games are Arsenal against Liverpool at The Emirates, plus Everton's hosting of Chelsea.
read the Previews...:
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*** BETZINE UK RECORD ***
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*** LATEST PROMOTIONS ***
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Paddy Power
London Calling! (Sun 31st Aug)
If Deco scores at anytime, Paddy Power will refund all losing 1st /last goalscorer, correct score & scorecast singles on the match.
Click to open an account with Paddy Power
Read more about the promotion HERE
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Weekend Match Reports
Links to the match reports of games in the Premiership, Ligue 1 and Bundesliga
HERE
Starting this season; news feed for ALL Premiership teams available on Betzine UK
Read the news section HERE
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