Stoke City are one of the most consistent teams of the last decade in Premier League. Britannia Stadium offers an imposing stadium for away teams to visit. Mark Hughes is an intelligent, forward-thinking manager and Xherdan Shaqiri, Bojan and Marko Arnautovic provide Stoke with a formidable attacking flair. Stoke (also known as The Potters, due to their location at the center of Britain’s pottery-making towns), despite their Premier League consistency, have been through a slight transition in the last few years. Former manager Tony Pulis grinded out results but his managerial style didn’t bring about the most appealing football.
From Rory Delap’s long throw-ins – considered more dangerous than a corner by many Premier League defenders – to some very heavy tackling (Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger compared them to a rugby team), Stoke were synonymous with the uncompromising quality of British football.
Mark Hughes, under the premise of bringing exciting football back to Stoke, was brought in to replace Pulis. Attracting players such as Bojan, Afellay, Crouch, Joselu, Arnautovic and Shaqiri, Hughe’s Stoke can defend competently while attacking with pace, power and exacting precision.
Best Stoke Betting Lines
Where is the value on Stoke City? Look for roster changes, whether they are playing at home or on the road and reference the current betting lines, all of which can be seen below.
Stoke Season Schedule
Who are Stoke playing next? Whether in front of the partisan Britannia Stadium crowd or on the road, Stoke should be a match for anyone.
Stoke League Standings
Stoke are expected to perpetually finish somewhere near the mid-table positions. Find out the Potters are tracking in the current season below.
How To Win Stoke Bets
Stoke aren't yet good enough to challenge for a European place. And they shouldn't be drawn into the relegation discussion. They're a sold Premier League team, one that consistently finishes mid-table or thereabouts.
They aren't a good futures bet and are better positioned as a game-to-game wager. They have a squad that can troube the very best. These are the kind of bets you should look out for, particularly when they play at home.
While they are consistent when it comes to their placement in the standings, you can't quite predict which Stoke team will show up on a weekly basis. They can either be laughed off the park or considered one of the best underdogs to back.
Stoke had the 14th best home record in the league during the 2016-17 season, not exactly a position to write home about. They fared three spots better on the road, finishing the season with the 11th best away record.
A lot depends on whether Stoke are linging up with their best team, as the level drops off dramatically after thier first 11. Pay close attention to injury reports, ensuring Xherdan Shaqiri, Marko Arnautovic and Peter Crouch are healthy.
If Shaqiri isn't playing, avoid backing Stoke like the black plague, as he's probably the only world class player Stoke have in their ranks.
