Stoke City have work to do in their attack ahead of the Championship season, which begins in a week, after progressing past Oldham in a Carabao Cup tie where their defensive and midfield units are still taking shape.
The club has made three new midfield arrivals and signed left-back Eric Bocat, as well as centre-half Luke Graham to replace Ashley Phillips. Junior Tchamadeu and Aaron Cresswell are currently absent through injury.
Formation and Playing Style
The squad appears built for a 4-3-3 formation with two number eights rather than two deep-lying players and a 10. With Bocat inverting from left-back and Ben Wilmot playing out of position at right-back, the formation could potentially shift to a 3-2-5 when attacking while defending in a 4-4-2 shape.
Manager Mark Robins appears intent on maintaining last season's formation, which leaves unanswered questions from the previous campaign.
Attack Requires Solutions
Stoke will need to reconfigure their attacking options in the remaining transfer window weeks. Key questions remain about whether Bae Jun-ho can provide the necessary creativity, whether Sorba Thomas will attract a significant offer that forces a sale, and whether any of the club's recognised strikers can be relied upon to score consistently.
There are uncertainties over the future of almost every attacking player at the club. Before making further additions, Stoke will need to let some players go to free up squad space. The defence and midfield appear to be coming together, but the attacking end of the pitch still requires attention before the season begins.
