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Post by benjaminbiscuit on Jul 21, 2018 14:45:34 GMT
52 -55 points as things stand
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Post by Deleted on Jul 21, 2018 14:50:23 GMT
52 -55 points as things stand We will piss past that total. I'd bet you as much money as you want on that as well.
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Post by thehoof on Jul 21, 2018 14:57:57 GMT
16th.
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Post by bloodtypered on Jul 21, 2018 15:06:13 GMT
If the friendlies are anything to go by, i dont know
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Post by onlyonesirstan on Jul 21, 2018 15:06:52 GMT
I’ll settle for nothing less than 139 points. I like your optimism, but I am going for 138pts
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Post by ChrisKamarasPerm on Jul 21, 2018 15:07:18 GMT
With the current squad 6th with a few additions out wide 2nd.
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Post by bhp on Jul 21, 2018 15:11:06 GMT
GR got Derby to the play offs with hardly any investment, with the squad he has available now he will get us into the play offs.
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Post by Olgrligm on Jul 21, 2018 15:11:28 GMT
I think we have a better squad than in the last promotion season, but I haven't the first clue about the teams around us. I suppose it didn't take long for me to become an awful Premier League supporter. Is there anybody who has an enviable squad?
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Post by jezzascfc on Jul 21, 2018 15:15:17 GMT
Play-off places, 5th or 6th.
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Post by Pricey on Jul 21, 2018 15:19:36 GMT
The average prediction at the moment is about 5th (282/58=4.86) and that seems sensible. I don't think we'll go down or be under threat at any point but I think it's hard to predict how a club will fare having been in the league above for a decade. I'll go for 4.86th.
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Post by WorkingclassHero on Jul 21, 2018 15:21:20 GMT
I get people are still on a downer after relegation but we have the strongest 11 and strongest squad in the league. a manager who consistently performs well at this level. we should have some optimism here... for me I think we will be 1st and not too dissimilar to when newcastle last went up. I just think people live in cloud cuckoo land, where are the goals coming from in this squad? Berahinho? @@@@ Crouch? 38 Diouf? last season's wing back Afobe? big call that Bojan? done nothing for three years no @@@@@@@ way is that the best selection of strikers in the league. wingers? literally no one no pen taker or set piece taker. all we have is the set of expensively assembled players no oe else wants at the wages they are currently paid. yes spot on strongest squad in the league.
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Post by musik on Jul 21, 2018 15:37:43 GMT
yes spot on, strongest squad in the league. No, I diasagree, I wouldn't say that. 🤔
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Post by MilanStokie on Jul 21, 2018 15:55:24 GMT
I get people are still on a downer after relegation but we have the strongest 11 and strongest squad in the league. a manager who consistently performs well at this level. we should have some optimism here... for me I think we will be 1st and not too dissimilar to when newcastle last went up. I just think people live in cloud cuckoo land, where are the goals coming from in this squad? Berahinho? @@@@ Crouch? 38 Diouf? last season's wing back Afobe? big call that Bojan? done nothing for three years no @@@@@@@ way is that the best selection of strikers in the league. wingers? literally no one no pen taker or set piece taker. all we have is the set of expensively assembled players no oe else wants at the wages they are currently paid. yes spot on strongest squad in the league. yes as it stands we do. if you can't trust or believe in a 14m signing who is supposed be your number 1 striker, who is at prime age and has been there and done it several times at this level then who can you believe in? not only do I think we will sign another striker anyway but I think there is no reason why diouf or crouch can't score at this level. they have almost 100 between them for Stoke already. half of the squad could play in the premier league. Allen decided to stay. Butland might. ryan, Bruno, Moritz, Erik is a great defence to start with. add some excitement with etebo. I just think you are being negative for the sake of it. perhaps just in hope of being pleasantly surprised.
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Post by MilanStokie on Jul 21, 2018 15:55:41 GMT
double post
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Post by jeycov on Jul 21, 2018 16:02:37 GMT
Keep Butland, 2nd/ 3rd
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Post by lordb on Jul 21, 2018 16:06:58 GMT
I get people are still on a downer after relegation but we have the strongest 11 and strongest squad in the league. a manager who consistently performs well at this level. we should have some optimism here... for me I think we will be 1st and not too dissimilar to when newcastle last went up. I just think people live in cloud cuckoo land, where are the goals coming from in this squad? Berahinho? @@@@ Crouch? 38 Diouf? last season's wing back Afobe? big call that Bojan? done nothing for three years no @@@@@@@ way is that the best selection of strikers in the league. wingers? literally no one no pen taker or set piece taker. all we have is the set of expensively assembled players no oe else wants at the wages they are currently paid. yes spot on strongest squad in the league. Afobe got 20+ goals for Wolves last time he was in this league. Ince will score a fair few Crouch would chip an as would Bojan Allen too. Don't fancy McLean or Etebo to score many.
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Post by benjaminbiscuit on Jul 21, 2018 18:45:36 GMT
52 -55 points as things stand We will piss past that total. I'd bet you as much money as you want on that as well. We will review on deadline day and I’ll give you a spread you can take or leave .
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Post by Gifton on Jul 21, 2018 18:50:07 GMT
2nd
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Post by thegift on Jul 21, 2018 18:52:12 GMT
6th
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Post by Deleted on Jul 21, 2018 18:58:56 GMT
We will piss past that total. I'd bet you as much money as you want on that as well. We will review on deadline day and I’ll give you a spread you can take or leave . Ok not a problem. Although, even with the squad we have now we'd piss past that total.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 21, 2018 19:02:59 GMT
I get people are still on a downer after relegation but we have the strongest 11 and strongest squad in the league. a manager who consistently performs well at this level. we should have some optimism here... for me I think we will be 1st and not too dissimilar to when newcastle last went up. I just think people live in cloud cuckoo land, where are the goals coming from in this squad? Berahinho? @@@@ Crouch? 38 Diouf? last season's wing back Afobe? big call that Bojan? done nothing for three years no @@@@@@@ way is that the best selection of strikers in the league. wingers? literally no one no pen taker or set piece taker. all we have is the set of expensively assembled players no oe else wants at the wages they are currently paid. yes spot on strongest squad in the league. When the season kicks off there won't be many,If any stronger squads in this league on paper. Obviously football isn't played on paper though and it's not going to be a cake walk as a lot of Stoke fans I've spoken to seem to think, but I'm confident that with Rowett as manager we will easily make the top six and i wpuldnt bet against us being right up there in the promotion shake up at the end of the season.
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chrispk
Academy Starlet
Posts: 106
Member is Online
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Post by chrispk on Jul 21, 2018 19:06:40 GMT
3rd 3️⃣ 🥉
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Post by blackpoolred on Jul 21, 2018 23:03:50 GMT
Impossible to tell and so many variables too, we could struggle or we might surprise ourselves and be challenging for a play-off spot, but I don't see that if I am honest.
Defence: For me we are in a weak position as it stands: Baur possibly going to be a bit lightweight in a physical league - not brill in the air, BMI, Shawcross will not be able to play 46 competitive games in this division without picking up injuries(in the plural) or just need resting, we don't just need numbers but quality in the centre of defence, same with Pieters: pace is pace and he struggles against it and there will be pace in this division too, no backup for him yet again. Will Butland still be here and if so will he be a liabilty like last year. Defensively fecking worrying for me and not good/deep enough to compete at the top half of this table
Midfield: Allen should be one of the best players in his position at this level, Etebo looks brill and hopefully he can do it on a cold Tuesday night at the Brit, these 2 will hold the key to how our season will pan out, elsewhere I am struggling, opinions will be split over Mclean/Ince, but personally I am underwhelmed, neither will go missing though and will not shirk defensive responsibilities.
Strikers: All hopes on Afobe at the moment.
Plenty of deals still to be done, would be nice to get the Ritchie/Chester deals done and another quality striker, central defender and creative mid on top of these deals, but not looking overly promising we will be able to address all of the major concerns - the manager seems to be aware we need a massive overhaul, so hope springs eternal.
At the end of last season could only see us doing a Sunderland, I am a little more optimistic, but it is going to be a tough season if we can't add to that squad - somewhere between 45-60 pts, but to be quite honest would not be surprised to see us get less than 45 if we fail to get more bodies in, but likewise if players come back in form and we have luck with injuries and add a bit more quality we may even top 60pts - impossible to tell at the moment, but I don't think we will be anywhere near pushing for the play-offs
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Post by tony1234 on Jul 21, 2018 23:12:51 GMT
I get people are still on a downer after relegation but we have the strongest 11 and strongest squad in the league. a manager who consistently performs well at this level. we should have some optimism here... for me I think we will be 1st and not too dissimilar to when newcastle last went up. I just think people live in cloud cuckoo land, where are the goals coming from in this squad? Berahinho? @@@@ Crouch? 38 Diouf? last season's wing back Afobe? big call that Bojan? done nothing for three years no @@@@@@@ way is that the best selection of strikers in the league. wingers? literally no one no pen taker or set piece taker. all we have is the set of expensively assembled players no oe else wants at the wages they are currently paid. yes spot on strongest squad in the league. Isn't Beharinho the easiest of those players to predict. He has the most systematic and consistent performance level and impact of any of our players over the past several years. Possibly of our whole time in the Premiership?
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Post by tony1234 on Jul 21, 2018 23:22:05 GMT
I just think people live in cloud cuckoo land, where are the goals coming from in this squad? Berahinho? @@@@ Crouch? 38 Diouf? last season's wing back Afobe? big call that Bojan? done nothing for three years no @@@@@@@ way is that the best selection of strikers in the league. wingers? literally no one no pen taker or set piece taker. all we have is the set of expensively assembled players no oe else wants at the wages they are currently paid. yes spot on strongest squad in the league. When the season kicks off there won't be many,If any stronger squads in this league on paper. Obviously football isn't played on paper though and it's not going to be a cake walk as a lot of Stoke fans I've spoken to seem to think, but I'm confident that with Rowett as manager we will easily make the top six and i wpuldnt bet against us being right up there in the promotion shake up at the end of the season. We clearly have some really good players - and in this league - if we were to list the top 20 most valuable players then I'd be surprised if we didn't have at least 6 in there. (Allen, Etobo, Afobe, Butland, Bauer, BMI). But Rowett also needs to do some basic sums to give us the confidence the squad is ready for its voyage and should be asking himself:- Q1. Based on players' past track records, where can I count on 80 goals coming from. (He should count on zero goals from Beharinho, with any being a bonus, otherwise he is mentally ill. And perhaps 4 from McClean, but any more is unfounded optimism)? Q2. We will be playing 50 games, and expect wide players to lose form for at least 1/4 of the season and to keep up the pace & intensity through 90 mins of games, we need good cover from the bench for the flanks... so how many players able to contribute impactfully from wide advanced positions do I need in those positions in my squad?: (A. I'd suggest 4 + Diouf or Verlinden) Q3. Afobe is our leading striker. There is a chance of injury, or loss of form. What is Plan B if he is injured? Have I got this covered? Q4, Similar to Q2-Q3 for CM. Who is my cover option for any sort of prolonged injury or loss of form to Allen or Etobo (or exhaustion!)?
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Post by Sfance on Jul 21, 2018 23:29:40 GMT
Impossible to tell and so many variables too, we could struggle or we might surprise ourselves and be challenging for a play-off spot, but I don't see that if I am honest. Defence: For me we are in a weak position as it stands: Baur possibly going to be a bit lightweight in a physical league - not brill in the air, BMI, Shawcross will not be able to play 46 competitive games in this division without picking up injuries(in the plural) or just need resting, we don't just need numbers but quality in the centre of defence, same with Pieters: pace is pace and he struggles against it and there will be pace in this division too, no backup for him yet again. Will Butland still be here and if so will he be a liabilty like last year. Defensively fecking worrying for me and not good/deep enough to compete at the top half of this table Midfield: Allen should be one of the best players in his position at this level, Etebo looks brill and hopefully he can do it on a cold Tuesday night at the Brit, these 2 will hold the key to how our season will pan out, elsewhere I am struggling, opinions will be split over Mclean/Ince, but personally I am underwhelmed, neither will go missing though and will not shirk defensive responsibilities. Strikers: All hopes on Afobe at the moment. Plenty of deals still to be done, would be nice to get the Ritchie/Chester deals done and another quality striker, central defender and creative mid on top of these deals, but not looking overly promising we will be able to address all of the major concerns - the manager seems to be aware we need a massive overhaul, so hope springs eternal. At the end of last season could only see us doing a Sunderland, I am a little more optimistic, but it is going to be a tough season if we can't add to that squad - somewhere between 45-60 pts, but to be quite honest would not be surprised to see us get less than 45 if we fail to get more bodies in, but likewise if players come back in form and we have luck with injuries and add a bit more quality we may even top 60pts - impossible to tell at the moment, but I don't think we will be anywhere near pushing for the play-offs I think this is about right. The defence is decidedly dodgy, especially if Butland leaves. Midfield looks to be our strongest area, so that's good, and hopefully the new boys on the wing will work out, but who's going to score? Berahino and Diouf are not capable, and we can't keep relying on Crouch, although at least he knows where the net is. Afobe? Hopefully, but that's a lot of pressure on him. I'll feel better if we hang on to Bojan - he looks like he might be ready to be his old self.
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Post by SCFC92 on Jul 22, 2018 5:28:13 GMT
With our squad as it is now I would say we can have a proper go at promotion, what has been key for me is the defence staying put to allow Rowett to reshape our misfiring front line!
You can't win if you let too many goals in and our back line is a top league back 4, keeping Butland would further enhance this as well.
A few more additions and I will silently utter the words automatic promotion, however as a life long Stoke fan I will only say where we are going to finish at 90 minutes on the last game of the season!
GOOARN!
Butland Bauer ShawX BMI Pieters Allen Etebo Bojan Ince (If he signs) Afobe Berahino
Is a strong line up as it is!
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Post by boothenender on Jul 22, 2018 6:39:53 GMT
I would love to see us go up as Championship champions. Promotion via the play offs would also do for me. It is a tough league and anyone can win it. I am feeling quite confident with Rowett and Co steering us through some choppy waters. Friendlies mean nothing, just an experiment to see who gels and whi doesn't.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2018 7:04:53 GMT
21st - 23rd
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Post by WorkingclassHero on Jul 22, 2018 8:05:42 GMT
Impossible to tell and so many variables too, we could struggle or we might surprise ourselves and be challenging for a play-off spot, but I don't see that if I am honest. Defence: For me we are in a weak position as it stands: Baur possibly going to be a bit lightweight in a physical league - not brill in the air, BMI, Shawcross will not be able to play 46 competitive games in this division without picking up injuries(in the plural) or just need resting, we don't just need numbers but quality in the centre of defence, same with Pieters: pace is pace and he struggles against it and there will be pace in this division too, no backup for him yet again. Will Butland still be here and if so will he be a liabilty like last year. Defensively fecking worrying for me and not good/deep enough to compete at the top half of this table Midfield: Allen should be one of the best players in his position at this level, Etebo looks brill and hopefully he can do it on a cold Tuesday night at the Brit, these 2 will hold the key to how our season will pan out, elsewhere I am struggling, opinions will be split over Mclean/Ince, but personally I am underwhelmed, neither will go missing though and will not shirk defensive responsibilities. Strikers: All hopes on Afobe at the moment. Plenty of deals still to be done, would be nice to get the Ritchie/Chester deals done and another quality striker, central defender and creative mid on top of these deals, but not looking overly promising we will be able to address all of the major concerns - the manager seems to be aware we need a massive overhaul, so hope springs eternal. At the end of last season could only see us doing a Sunderland, I am a little more optimistic, but it is going to be a tough season if we can't add to that squad - somewhere between 45-60 pts, but to be quite honest would not be surprised to see us get less than 45 if we fail to get more bodies in, but likewise if players come back in form and we have luck with injuries and add a bit more quality we may even top 60pts - impossible to tell at the moment, but I don't think we will be anywhere near pushing for the play-offs Think this is pretty much how I see it. Would have much preferred a few more outs and new players. The way we are hanging our hats on Butland BMI Pieters and Berahinho like they are would beaters worries me, especially when the first two I can see being snapped up on deadline day leaving us with Federici and Souttar as starters..
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