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GK: Jack Butland
Arguably England’s finest goalkeeper when fit and in form, Butland would walk into most sides in the league and I wouldn't be surprised to see him at a bigger club in the near future.
RB: Javier Manquillo
I’ve never rated Glenn Johnson or Phil Bardsley, both are simply average. I’m hoping that Manquillo showcases his potential soon, you don’t play for Atletico Madrid, Marseille and Liverpool for nothing, right?
CB: Ryan Shawcross
His form may have dipped in the past few seasons, however, Shawcross is an experienced figure at the back and is a fine addition to this XI.
CB: Lamine Kone
Great footballer, terrible bloke.
LB: Eric Pieters
Their Dutch full-back is better than ours. Simple really.
RM: Fabio Borini
Oh how we’ve missed Borini these past few weeks, his work ethic, footballing brain and eye of goal are sorely missed.
CM: Giannelli Imbula
Stoke’s record signing adds strength to any side, with the youngster playing in the Yaya Toure mold.
CM: Jan Kirchhoff
Kirchhoff is injured again, and hopefully when he returns he will be more like the Jan from last season.
LM: Marco Arnautovic
The best player in this XI on his day, Arnautovic oozes class and Stoke have done well to keep a hold of him.
ST: Wilfried Bony
If Stoke can get the Bony who played for Swansea, rather than the version who ran out for Man City, then they have got a top class striker on their books. You wonder why Sunderland didn’t try and make a deadline day swoop for the Ivorian.
ST: Jermain Defoe
This one is self-explanatory really. Defoe is Sunderland’s best player and would probably get into Stoke’s side too.
