
Stoke City’s Starting XI After Summer Transfer Window: A Detailed Analysis
As the 2025/26 EFL Championship season kicks off, Stoke City fans and football pundits alike are eager to see how the club shapes up following an active summer transfer window. The Tony Pulis-led club has been busy strengthening key areas of the squad, aiming to bounce back strongly after a challenging previous campaign. This club, rich in history and ambition, understands the importance of developing a balanced and competitive starting eleven capable of navigating the gritty demands of the Championship.
In this article, we will provide an exhaustive look at Stoke City’s strongest possible starting XI following the summer transfer activities. We will analyze the newcomers and holdovers, assess tactical formations likely to be employed, and discuss how the transfers have addressed the squad’s previous needs.
Context: Stoke City’s Summer Transfer Window Activity
Before diving into the starting lineup analysis, let’s recap Stoke City’s summer transfer context.
Defensive Concerns and Squad Balance
Stoke City struggled defensively in the previous season, which prompted the club to prioritize reinforcing the backline. According to transfer news, they have been “very active in the transfer window” addressing defensive vulnerabilities and attack inefficiencies. Their expenditure, however, is constrained by Financial Fair Play (FFP) restrictions, which limit how freely the club can spend. This has encouraged a strategic approach focusing on “sensible signings,” combining experienced players and promising talents vavel.com.
Attacking Woes
Last season Stoke scored one of the lowest goal totals in the Championship. This poor attacking output further highlighted the need for reinforcing offensive departments, be it through new striking options or midfield creators capable of providing better service and finishing.
Notable Departures and Arrivals
While the club made key signings, several players left, which has changed squad dynamics. The sale of Harry Souttar to Leicester City and other departures have forced Stoke to reorganize defensively, while their new recruits will look to replace or complement outgoing players.
Tactical Setup and Preferred Formation
Under the management of Tony Pulis, a veteran known for solid organization and pragmatic football, Stoke City often deploy a rigid defensive setup emphasizing physicality and structure. While media reports do not explicitly confirm a fixed formation post-transfer window, the club is expected to favor a:
- 4-2-3-1 Formation: A classic Pulis formation that balances defensive sturdiness with attacking flexibility. Two holding midfielders protect the backline, feeding a trio of attacking midfielders feeding a lone striker upfront.
Let’s now analyze the most likely starting XI within that framework, considering player attributes, fitness, and squad depth.
Stoke City Starting XI 2025/26: Player-by-Player Breakdown
Goalkeeper: Jack Bonham
Bonham showed himself as a reliable presence in goal during previous campaigns.
- Attributes: Good shot-stopper, command of the area, and competent with the ball at his feet.
- Competition: Faces competition but is expected to be the first-choice goalkeeper based on consistency.
Right-Back: Nick Powell
Powell combines defensive discipline with attacking intent on the right flank.
- Role: Provides width, overlaps, and crosses while being defensively responsible.
- Strength: Good stamina and ability to support counter-attacks.
Centre-Backs: Harry Souttar (captain) and James Chester
Harry Souttar
- Recently sold to Leicester City, a significant defensive loss Stokes City needs to replace.
Likely Replacement: Nathan Collins or New Signing
- Stoke must plug the hole left by Souttar, possibly promoting youth or relying on new defenders. Collins offers pace and physical presence.
James Chester
- Experience: Provides leadership and composure.
- Defensive Awareness: Strong positional sense and tackling.
The pairing’s success hinges on cohesion and mutual understanding, critical for Pulis’s defensive style.
Left-Back: Enda Stevens
A regular starter at left-back, Stevens provides defensive solidity and contributes to forward play.
- Attributes: Tenacious defending and willingness to overlap.
- Fit: Expected to continue as the first-choice left-back.
Defensive Midfielders (Double Pivot): Sam Clucas and Josh Laurent
Sam Clucas
- Role: Experienced midfielder offering tactical discipline and the ability to break up play.
- Passing: Capable of recycling possession efficiently.
Josh Laurent
- Role: Energetic and combative, adds another layer of protection in front of the back four.
- Work Rate: Covers lots of ground, essential in pressing system.
The double pivot aims to shield the defense while facilitating transition to attack.
Attacking Midfielders: Nick Powell (if shifted), Brandon Thomas-Asante, and Daniel Bachmann
Nick Powell (if moved forward)
Powell is versatile and could be advanced into an attacking midfield position to utilize his creativity.
Brandon Thomas-Asante
- Strength: Experienced winger with goal-scoring capabilities.
- Attributes: Speed and ability to beat defenders.
Daniel Bachmann (if midfield option) or another winger like Ryan Ledson
Bachmann is primarily a goalkeeper, so likely the third attacking spot will be taken by a pacey or creative winger.
Striker: Jayden Stockley or New Signing
Stockley offers a traditional striker’s hold-up play and aerial ability.
- Stoke may push for an additional signing to enhance goal threat, considering last season’s scoring struggles.
Bench Strength and Rotation Considerations
Given the hectic Championship schedule, depth is essential.
- Backup Keeper: George Marsh or youth keeper.
- Defenders: Possible reserves or youngsters ready to compete.
- Midfielders and Attackers: Alternatives include Lee Gregory (experienced forward), Sam Surridge (striker on loan), and a mix of youth options.
Tony Pulis will likely rotate players to manage fatigue and injuries.
Key Strengths of This XI
- Defensive Solidity: Focus on organization and physicality to maintain clean sheets.
- Work Ethic: Players embody Pulis’s demand for relentless effort.
- Set Pieces: Aerial dominance in both boxes through centre-backs and forwards.
Weaknesses and Areas for Improvement
- Creativity: Limited creative spark may struggle against well-organized defenses.
- Goal Scoring Reliability: Goal output has been a concern; striker efficiency must improve.
- Pace: The squad’s overall pace may be lacking, limiting fast transition opportunities.
Comparison with Previous Seasons
- This XI combines a mixture of tried-and-tested veterans and new recruits aimed at addressing last season’s shortcomings.
- Relative stability is expected compared to the instability caused by player sales like Harry Souttar.
- There is a focus on maintaining physical resilience and organization, hallmarks of Stoke City identity.
Transfer Target Impact
The success of the Stoke City starting XI largely hinges on late transfer dealings.
- Potential additions in attacking midfield or striker roles could transform offensive potency.
- Defensive backups and midfield enforcers remain priorities.
- Financial constraints related to Financial Fair Play influence transfer possibilities.
Tactical Outlook for 2025/26 Season
Tony Pulis’s tactical discipline will remain central:
- Defensive Shape: Low block defending, pressing triggered selectively.
- Direct Play: Utilizing long balls and set-pieces.
- Transitional Speed: Quick counterattacks relying on wingers and ball-winning midfielders.
Conclusion
Stoke City’s post-summer transfer window starting XI reflects a pragmatic, balanced team driven by defensive solidity and work-rate. While capable of grinding out results in the demanding Championship, attacking improvements are necessary to compete for promotion spots.
Fans can expect a hardworking side committed to Tony Pulis’s principles, but real success will depend on strategic signings, injury management, and perhaps a bit more creativity in the final third. Ultimately, this squad aims to restore Stoke City to a competitive standing and push for higher achievements in the 2025/26 season.
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