How many times in the last two months have Stoke fans uttered the words “must win game”? The problem is that at the moment we can`t win any games and the performances aren`t getting much better either. This weekend`s game at the Liberty stadium is the perfect opportunity for Stoke to take advantage.
Swansea go into the game with no Michu. Wilfried Bony has been nothing short of a flop since his summer arrival. Swansea are a team that rely on quality rather than quantity in terms of the chances they create, chances that are often taken by the injured Michu.
Bony`s inability to adapt to the Premier League may be through no fault of his own. There has been a rife increase in the number of teams who choose to play the 4-2-3-1 formation and in the process are suffering with their misfiring strikers. The main problem that I have with this system is that the striker is so isolated. The system hinges on the number 10 behind the striker being allowed to have space, to create chances and dictate play. The main problem that most teams who play this system are having is that their number 10 is not good enough. Michael Laudrup has tried to slot Michu in behind Bony but he`s just not that type of player and that`s why Bony has failed to adjust, the lack of service. Another problem that Bony is having is that he`d be so much more suited to balls being played in the air rather than intricate passes into his feet.
Stoke City are suffering with the same problem. Goals coring is an issue and this is clear to see as our goalkeeper is joint top scorer. Again, Stoke are failing to pierce team with the 4-2-3-1 formation. The so called number 10 in our system is Stephen Ireland and although his distribution is acceptable, he lacks the creativity and inspiration to allow the formation to succeed. The problem is that so many teams are playing the same formation that it is a bold move to revert away from it. It`s hard to see past a bog standard 4-4-2 with the players that Stoke City have in their ranks but there is a huge danger that the midfield would get over run by substituting a man for an extra striker.
Mark Hughes has displayed Pulis-esque stubbornness in the manner that he has persisted with his philosophy of football. Yes, the belief that he is showing is admirable but at the end of the day the Premier League is all about results and the fact of the matter is that it is not working. Take a look at the teams that have tried to play football above their level in recent times in the Premier League, Burnley, Blackpool, Wigan. Take a look at where they are now after their manager had displayed the same kind of stubbornness Hughes is showing.
Both of these teams will go into the game on Sunday feeling positive that they can win the game. Swnasea are very good at home but will be suffering some fatigue after only a 3 day rest period. I think that Stoke are in a position to cause an upset. The Swans are suffering in the games after they have endured the Europa League in midweek, with their only win coming against Crystal Palace since the group stages began.
The good news for Stoke City under Mark Hughes is how impressive we have looked away from home. The reason for this, in my opinion, is that we are not allowed as much of the ball. At the Britannia this season we have been stale, often allowing teams to sit back and soak up the pressure. Away from home we are the team that has to soak up the pressure and it means that gaps appear in the opposition`s defence when we do get the ball. We actually look a better team when we are not on the ball and when we are allowed to counter attack.
I am expecting Swansea to keep the ball, it`s what they like to do but their squad is very thin for a European campaign. Leon Britton was rested on Thursday and he is the man who keeps Swansea`s play ticking over. His revitalised legs will have a big part to play in the game. Although Swnasea also managed to rest Neil Taylor, Wayne Routledge and Chico in midweek, it is likely that they will line up with tired legs and although its cliché, I think the European hangover may take its toll.
Swansea City Team News:
Michu is the main talking point for the Swans, likely to be sidelined for a month.
Player to watch: Leon Britton
He rarely loses the ball and his distribution will keep the Stoke players chasing shadows. He needs to be closed down quickly to stop him getting a grip on the game.
Stoke City Team News:
No major injury news for Stoke.
Player to watch: Marko Arnautovic
The most exciting player in City`s ranks. He`s off the mark with his goals and his pace will cause real problems against a Swansea defence on its return from Russia.
Ref Watch:
Here’s Lloyd Reddin’s ref watch:
https://stoke.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=337791
Match Prediction:
Unwilling to stick a score line out there. I think there will be a few goals in this game and Stoke stand a good chance of nicking a result.
Stuff it, 2-1 to the Potters, Begovic brace.
