The Potters kick off another season today as they host newley relegated Wolverhapton Wanderers at the Brit.
As the time of this article suggests i've not exactly slept well, but i'm hoping todays game will wake me up - nothing like a nice Staffordshire derby is there!?! Nice early kick off at 12.15. I'm not usually up by then but I will make an acception for Stoke.
New loanee from Cardiff Chris Barker is expected to start, as is Super Gerry Taggart after signing a new contract earlier in the week. I expect to see last season's joint top scorers Ade and Gifton up front and seen as our deal with Johnston seems to have been bricked for now, Lewis Neal will most likely start on the left hand side.
We're in a much better position than we were at the start of last season. Had some good results and performances in Pre-Season and have Taggart, Johnny Halls and Ade - 3 players who were vital in our little "Ay up we can make the bludie playoffs!" stint last season. Last season we had a terrible pre-season, although our opening game was against Derby, no disrespect intended, although lets face the facts, there's just a bit of difference in quality in Wolves rather than Derby.
Looking at the two sides and looking how strong Wolves are, I can't see any of their strikers getting past Gerry and Thommo at the back, I can really see Stoke giving it to Wolves and coming out with a victory.
On a parting note I would just like to apologise for no updates during pre-season. A lot has gone on in regards to friendlies and transfer speculation and I just apologise for not posting it. News however, as of now, will be updated.
