Stoke City have a reputation for playing ugly long ball football but at the end of the day Tony Pulis's main goal is to keep Stoke in the Premier League and that's just what he has done. Even better for the Stoke fans is European football  in the shape of the Europa league is coming to the Britannia stadium this season. That is assuming they can get past FC Thun of Switzerland in the early weeks of the season.

Their home form is very good but they are quite weak away from the Britannia and they will need their home form to be strong again this season. Especially if they have the distraction of European games on some Thursdays and lots of games not on Saturdays. Personally I think they will comfortably stay up and I really hope they make it to the group stages or further of the Europa League.

Stoke have signed Jonathan Woodgate who if he can stay fit is a fantastic signing to play along side Ryan Shawcross who despite the one horror tackle on Aaron Ramsey has been unfairly tagged as a dirty player, which he isn't. If Pulis can get Jones, Pennant and Etherington firing then a good season could be in-store for the Stoke Fans.

Betting

Not much to report, between 8/1 and 10/1 to go down but this is unlikely unless Europe really distracts them.

Last Seasons final Position - 13th

Mystic Jarv's prediction for Stoke City in the 2011-2012 football season - Bottom half

Don't forget to join the the new hut fantasy football league game 2011 2012