Stoke City: Three hopes, one fear

All Stoke City supporters are asking for is just a couple of goals. 

It seems to be a yearly request from the supporters. While Stoke City’s mettle and determination has been admired and appreciated during their Premier League run the club still struggles to find the back of the net. Last season, the Potters scored just 41 goals which was fourth lowest in the league.

Big names have come and gone as have promising youngsters none of whom have been able to solve Stoke’s attacking woes. In seven full seasons in the Premier League the Potters have scored more than 45 goals just twice (2013-2014 and 2014-2015).

It seems that there has been more of a focus this offseason on the attack. Xherdan Shaqiri getting the goal in their first match against Middlesbrough should provide Potter supporters some hope. But the fear is that it might be too little, too late and that the vaunted Stoke defense may be aging at the wrong time.

So let’s take a look at the three hopes and one fear of Stoke City F.C.

Next: Hope #1: That Xherdan Shaqiri can live up to his salary.