English Premier League: Season predictions

Mark Hughes

Manager to watch out for – Mark Hughes

Hughes had such a disastrous spell at QPR that it put his respectable reputation at stake. Whether he actually signed the players that QPR did or whether they were the product of Tony Fernandes’ fancy is anyone’s guess, but one thing is clear – Hughes could not handle such a sudden, severe change in his squad.

Managing Stoke City is now his shot at redemption. Stoke City want to do away with the unfortunate attention that their playing style gets, hence the move to replace Pulis with Hughes.

Last season, Stoke were one of the most boring teams in the league and unexpectedly got dragged into the relegation fight. Hughes needs to keep them well clear of the bottom three and simultaneously change the way they play. The signs towards changing the style are looking good at the moment – Rory Delap has been sold, which means no more of those famous long throws into the box.

Hughes must keep away from the bottom three at all costs and get Stoke playing in a different manner. If he manages that, he would have regained some respect he lost in London.

Come the summer of 2014, these predictions might start looking lunatic. But what’s wrong in making them?

Let the fireworks begin!