Premier League Predictions; Match Week 1

An away day at the Britannia to start your league campaign where many tip you for relegation? Not the start Aston Villa would of had in mind, as they travel to Stoke

STOKE CITY V ASTON VILLA

If you’re Stoke City, you’re chomping at the bit to get started this season; when you see that Aston Villa are coming to town, surely you think you can bag three points on opening weekend.

They’ll frustrate you with their rugby tactics, but this could well be the season that Stoke manager Mark Hughes finally opens his side up and allows them to play football; and when your top summer signing was Bojan Krkic? Rugby just will not do.  Yes, Bojan will be in the red and white strip of the Potters, and you can add him to a rather solid list of attacking players on offer at the Britannia.

As for Villa? Well, sure they’ve added Philippe Senderos, Aly Cissokho, Carlos Sanchez, and England fall-away pair Kieran Richardson and Jole Cole; but yes, many are tipping them for another season of struggles under Paul Lambert.  Though, having Roy Keane as his right hand man could well make their midfield obscenely difficult to negotiate.  Both sides will be without a striker, as Mame Diouf misses out for Stoke, and Christian Benteke is still sidelined for the Villains.

Predicted Starting XI’s

Stoke City (4-3-3): Asmir Begovic; Erik Pieters, Ryan Shawcross, Robert Huth, Geoff Cameron; Charlie Adam, Steven N’Zonzi, Stephen Ireland; Marko Arnautovic, Peter Odemwingie, Bojan Krkic

Aston Villa (4-3-3): Brad Guzan; Aly Cissokho, Ron Vlaar, Jores Okore, Matthew Lowton; Fabian Delph, Ashley Westwood, Karim El Ahmadi; Charles N’Zogbia, Gabrial Agbonlahor, Andreas Weimann

Staff Score Predictions

Drew: Stoke City 2-1 Aston Villa

Ben: Stoke City 2-1 Aston Villa

James: Stoke City 1-0 Aston Villa

Ross: Stoke City 1-1 Aston Villa

Luke: Stoke 2-1 Aston Villa