Stoke City are hoping to make some big strides in the 2025/26 campaign after consistent decline ever since their drop from the Premier League.
Stoke City suffered an inconsistent campaign in the Championship last time around. The 2024/25 season threw up some big challenges for SCFC, largely self-inflicted ones, and they ended up finishing in 18th.
The season wasn’t without concerning periods, especially with two managerial changes but under Mark Robins, they rose away from the bottom three and stayed clear of relegation.
SCFC - Stoke City boss Mark Robins
Image courtesy of: ED SYKES/REUTERS.
There will be a desire to kick on in the new term, with the quality of players and manager making a higher finish possible. Robins will be hoping his new side will be closer to the top six than bottom three in his full first season in charge.
But with the season opener against Derby County moving closer and closer, who makes Robins strongest Stoke City starting XI? We take a look here…
The current Stoke City squad
Before getting into the nitty gritty of picking the strongest Stoke City XI, it is important to assess their standpoint.
Robins has highlighted the importance of signing another centre-back while further deals will be eyed.
Stoke City’s summer 2025 signings so far
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At centre-back, the options are abundant as plenty of signings having being made over recent seasons. Robins is now spoilt for choice with Ashley Phillips, Ben Gibson, Ben Wilmot and Bosnun Lawal, in addition to summer signing Taloverov.
On the right of the defence, Junior Tchamadeu will be the main stay and on the opposite flank, Eric-Junior Bocat will be looking apply pressure on experienced Aaron Cresswell from the starting XI. The Frenchman signed for the Potters in 2024 and played the majority of games last season.
In midfield, Lewis Baker will remain centrally after his loan at Blackburn Rovers, with Tatsuki Seko and defensive midfielder Ben Pearson providing competition as midfield partner. Pearson’s injury and discipline could prove costly in his hunt for as starter.
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stoke city, Thomas starts: Mark Robins’ strongest Stoke City starting XI as Derby County opener nears
Image courtesy of: JASON CAIRNDUFF/REUTERS.
Out wide, Sorba Thomas has been signed as a fresh option. Right midfielder Million Manhoef will be looking to finally put in consistent performances that made them pay £3.4m for his services.
In behind the striker, Jun-ho Bae will be helping create the chances and up top, Robert Bozenik leads the rank with experienced Sam Gallagher and youngster Divin Mubama his backup.
Mark Robins’ strongest Stoke City starting XI
(4-2-3-1)
Johansson; Tchamadeu, Talovierov, Phillips, Cresswell; Seko, Baker; Manhoef, Jun-ho, Thomas; Bozenik.
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As touched on before, Robins is spoilt for choice in some areas. It provides him with sleepless nights when picking his strongest Stoke City side.
In goal, Johansson is clear favourite. In front of him, Tchamadue will continue in his place at right-back but a confident Bocat could challenge the experienced Cresswell despite the latter’s wealth of experience. New signing Talovierov could displace Wilmot, partnering Phillips.
The strongest midfield could prove to be the experienced Lewis Baker and Japanese ace Seko, with the latter looking to build on his first season in England, but expect strong competition after Wouter Burger’s sale.
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Thomas has looked bright in pre-season and seems to be the standout on the left, while Manhoef is the natural fit on the right side. In front of them, Jun-ho Bae will continue to make the number 10 position his own.
Up top, new signing Bozenik is going to edge out injury prone Sam Gallagher with the frustrating Mmaee possibly leaving.
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