“Stoke City offer different types of problems than we give teams and yet they are just as effective, and at this moment more effective, than what we do. Whatever they do it is within the laws of the game and difficult to defend against.”

This was West Brom boss Tony Mowbray’s tacit admission, in the build-up to Saturday afternoon’s clash with Stoke City, that brawn can conquer brains. For a dedicated advocate of short-passing football such as Mowbray it is a difficult acknowledgment to make. The aesthetically-pleasing nature of his side has gained many admirers so far this season but, gradually, the Baggies have slid to the foot of the tightly-packed Premier League table.

Meanwhile, Stoke have hassled and harried their way to mid-table (admittedly, only three points ahead of their Midlands rivals). Along the way they have earned a certain notoriety. Arsene Wenger’s ill-advised whining in the aftermath of Arsenal’s deserved defeat at the Britannia Stadium, earlier this month, held the magnifying glass up to the ‘merits’, or otherwise, of the Potters’ physical approach.

Upon their promotion to the top flight, Tony Pulis’ side were widely-touted as relegation certainties, yet few observers would now confidently put much money on that outcome in late May. Rory Delap’s ridiculously prodigious throwing abilities have warped the result of many a Stoke game already, and their massed ranks of 6ft-plus scrappers ensures that they’ll not be out-fought all season long. As Pulis says, Stoke have forged a clear identity:

“There’s a system in place, so the players know exactly where we want the ball to go in certain areas. The organisation is very good and that goes right through the club.”

It’s not popular among the neutrals - comparisons with past Wimbledon and Watford sides are quite accurate – but few teams will travel to the Potteries expecting an easy three points. On the other hand, West Brom have already developed a reputation as something of a soft-touch.

Last season’s ‘if you score three then we’ll score four’ attitude has lingered at The Hawthorns, yet Mowbray’s men palpably do not have the capacity within their ranks to maintain that mantra in the unforgiving surrounds of the Premier League. The ex-Hibs manager has been lauded and barracked in equal measure for his strict adherence to a ‘pure’ footballing philosophy. To date, he’s shown no sign of acquiescing to the pro-pragmatism pack.

“You have got to keep believing in what you’re doing, that it’s right and keep going until someone tells you ‘enough is enough’,” he said this week.

“I don’t feel any pressure. Hopefully in January we can strengthen our team with a couple of quality players and keep pushing on.”

Mowbray’s confidence - and the sentiment behind his words - is admirable. However, such comments seem to almost invite the pressure he claims not to feel. If, in a worst-case scenario, Albion find themselves cut adrift at the turn of the year, Chairman Jeremy Peace might feel inclined to call his manager’s bluff and tell him that enough is enough.

Just a couple of wins from mid-table obscurity they may be, but West Brom’s numerous problems are glaringly apparent. The raft of defensive recruits from Holland’s Eredivisie are still struggling to adapt to the rigours of English football – Ryan Donk particularly. At the head of things, Roman Bednář and Ishmael Miller are beginning to show signs that they can make the step up, but neither could be considered prolific. The Baggies have scored only a paltry ten league goals so far and a Kevin Phillips-style poacher is prominent on the January shopping list for Mowbray. Naturally, though, such players rarely become available and cost a pretty penny when they do.

The technical and creative qualities of the Albion midfield are without question; with much-missed talisman Felipe Teixeira returning from a frustratingly long layoff to compliment the likes of Robert Koren, record-signing Borja Valero and skipper Jon Greening. Like the Arsenal team whose style they are so keen to emulate, a midfield enforcer is sorely lacking.

To cap their troubles, ‘keeper Scott Carson has just endured another confidence-sapping international experience. It’s hardly the ideal preparation for Saturday’s 40-mile trip. After all, Delap’s missiles + the foreheads of Sidibe & co. x Carson’s hesitancy = impending disaster, surely?

That’s not to mention that Stoke are Albion’s bogey team – they’ve not won in the Potteries since 1982, when a young Cyrille Regis was on the scoresheet. A solitary point from the last possible 18 also makes for sorry reading. A small crumb of comfort can be garnered from the absence through injury of Ricardo Fuller – their chief tormentor in recent games between the clubs.

It’s still too early for talk of six-pointers and must-wins, but at least avoiding defeat this weekend is essential if the Baggies’ self-belief is not to be further deflated. Their fans are among the most dedicated – and vocal – in the country, but even they need a scrap of hope to cling onto going into the hard winter months ahead.

About as far-removed from a glamour fixture as you can get, Stoke vs West Brom will, nonetheless, offer an intriguing gauge of each side’s ability to stay afloat.

Stoke are uncompromising and unremittingly physical; a throwback to darker days in English football. Albion are dedicated to a strict policy of ball-on-ground possession football. The third promoted club, Hull, chose to take the middle road – and have reaped the rewards. Only the passage of time will tell which - if either - of the two proud Midlands clubs has chosen the right route to avoid the top-flight trapdoor.

Stoke City’s victory over Arsenal was a terrific result for Tony Pulis and his side. Every win is vital as the club endeavour to avoid relegation - but at what cost?

Rory Delap’s long throw-ins have proved incredibly successful, but perhaps they have more of a place in the circus rather than being an accepted part of football. While Arsenal offer scintillating and stylish football - albeit in patches - Stoke’s survival rests on one man’s ability to throw the ball 40 yards into the penalty area. Maybe it’s more acceptable for teams nearer the bottom - survival and a £40m cheque is far more important than panache and crowd-pleasing passing.

Yet while this aspect of Stoke’s play is their own prerogative, their rough and dangerous tactics is an unacceptable part of their game, as Arsene Wenger has angrily stated today.

Ryan Shawcross’s awful tackle on Emmanuel Adebayor deserved a straight red card and Delap’s cynical, calculated and aggressive challenge could have earned the same punishment. Rob Styles failed to adequately protect Arsenal’s players, leading to Robin Van Persie’s dismissal. His angst came about not only because of Arsenal’s plight but also due to the treatment his team-mates were receiving.

While he certainly deserved his red card, Stoke’s culprits deserved theirs more - Adebayor and Walcott are now out injured for Arsenal’s clash with Fenerbahce on Wednesday and could miss the critical match against Manchester United on Saturday. Arsenal are often physically crushed by taller and more muscular opponents - and these tactics are fairly implemented by the likes of Bolton. Stoke, instead, were excessive in their challenges and went beyond the acceptable line of brutality.

Wenger did not mince his words, labelling the pair as “cowards”.

“For me, you need to have more courage to play football when you know somebody is tackling you from behind without any intention to play the ball, with only one intention to hurt you and I can show you some tackles where I can prove what I say,” he said.

“The one who is tackling is not the brave one, for me the brave one is the one trying to play football. Do you really feel that Delap tried to play the ball when he tackled Walcott or that Shawcross tried to play the ball when he tackled Adebayor off the pitch?

“All the players have been injured deliberately. For me, the brave one is not the one who tackles from behind, but the player who tries to play football. That’s the coward.”

What are the views of Stoke and Arsenal supporters? We’d love to hear your views; leave your comments below.

Stoke City go into Saturday’s encounter sweating on the fitness of number one goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen. The Dane sat out his country’ two fixtures in the international break. Former Everton shot stopper Steve Simonsen is waiting in the wings in case Sorensen fails to pass a fitness test.

New signing from Reading, Ibrahima Sonko is likely to make his debut, while Danny Higginbotham will make his second bow following his return from Sunderland. Captain Andy Griffin will continue at right back, while Abdoulaye Faye will be hoping to continue his promosing start in a Stoke shirt.

The suspension of Amdy Faye will lead to a reshuffle in midfield, with Rory Delap taking up his preferred position in the centre, partnering former Everton target Seyi Olofinjana. Set piece specialist Liam Lawrence will line up on the right wing, with £2 million deadline day signing Michael Tonge likely to start on the left side.

Assuming Ricardo Fuller returns from South America in one piece, he will partner record signing Dave Kitson upfront.

Everton are suffering an injury crisis, with Louis Saha, Lars Jacobsen, Leon Osman, Tim Cahill and Tony Hibbert all set to miss out.

However, they will still be able to put out a strong line up. Stoke promotion hero Carlo Nash will have to settle for a place on the bench following his arrival from Wigan, with Tim Howard keeping the gloves. A defensive back four of Phil Neville, Jolean Lescott, Leighton Baines and Phil Jagielka has plenty of Premier League experience, and will be a good match up for Stoke’s strikeforce.

In midfield, £15 million signing Marouane Fellaini will become the most expensive player to play a league match against Stoke, and will be assisted by the mecurial talents of Mikel Arteta.

Upfront, Nigerian Yakubu will bear most of the pressure as he looks to build on a promising start to his personal season.

With one win a piece, this is an evenly matched fixture and Stoke, on the back of an historic victory in their previous home fixture will be hoping to build on that momentum.

Prediction: Stoke City 1-0 Everton (Liam Lawrence)

It really would be a signal of intent from Stoke, although plenty of work still has to be done to secure the transfer. Manchester City have been mentioned in the same breath as Ronaldo and if they follow up their interest, then their financial power will surely dwarf Stoke out of the race.

The signing would go down as one of the biggest coups in the history of world football, and follows Tony Pulis’ incredible bids for Craig Bellamy and Theo Walcott in recent years.

It remains to be seen how concrete Stoke’s interest is, but the fact that Stoke are being mentioned in the same sentance as the former Real Madrid star shows how far the club have come under Tony Pulis. 

But would Ronaldo be good for the club or have a detrimental fact? Can anyone actually see him plying his trade at relegation candidates Stoke? Let us know your views.

The buzz surrounding a top flight match was much different to previous seasons. Players were escorted off the team coach and TV stations were clambering to get the best view of the newest Premier League stars.

If we were in any doubt as to how difficult and cruel this division can be, we knew by 5.00 on Saturday. A freak goal was followed by slack defending and we ended up being 3-0 down in the space of 10 minutes.

However, that was then and this is now. We have bolstered our squad with two new defenders and are optimistic over the addition of an international winger.

Every Stokie is realistic and knows that we aren’t going to win every game this season. There will be defeats along the way but if we can develop the Britannia into a fortress then we will be half way there.

Sunderland won a commendable nine games at home last season and that is the sort of template we should be looking at. Add on top of that a couple of away wins and that should give you another twelve months in the lucrative Premier League.

If one major lesson is to be learnt from Bolton, it is that you shouldn’t be beaten at your own game. Kevin Davies had the beating of us aerially every time. If we keep Carew quiet on Saturday then we will get a point at the very least.

Our gritty, determined style of play will ensure we won’t be as bad as Derby last season but it is important that we, as supporters, enjoy every minute of this campaign. If the worst happens and we do fall through the trap door who’s to say it won’t be another 23 years until we get another crack at the Manchester United’s and Arsenal’s of this world?

Tony Pulis is certainly doing his best to defy the critics though, and we all hope that a certain bookmaker will have egg on their faces come May!

Avram Grant was a puppet out-of-his-depth; tactically naïve; and unable to control his side. Whatever the media made of him, he came extraordinarily close to a league and Champions League double. With a ‘proper manager’ in Luis Scolari at the helm, surely Chelsea can prevent Man Utd securing a hat-trick of titles?

As ever, it is not as simple as that. Man Utd may not have strengthened but they retained Cristiano Ronaldo – so phenomenal in the last two seasons – and, even if he does not quite match that form, quality seeps through their side. Age is also on their side: the likes of Carrick, Hargreaves, Tevez, Rooney and Ronaldo should only be improving, while Vidic and Ferdinand are imperious in central defence. If Ferguson can succeed in adding Dimitar Berbatov then there is little to suggest he won’t be celebrating yet again.

Chelsea have been unusually frugal in the transfer market this summer – but should not suffer injury problems to rival last season’s. John Terry’s desire to make amends for the Champions League final should not be discounted, but a combination of Scolari’s Premier League inexperience and a lack of forward potency – compared to Man Utd at least – could mean they are just edged put once more.

Liverpool have arguably the world’s best striker in the clinical and dynamic Fernando Torres. If Robbie Keane is able to combine with him as he did Berbatov defences should beware. Yet Chelsea and Man Utd possess more formidable squads – only in central midfield and up front can Liverpool rival them – and second would constitute a major achievement.

Arsenal were only four points off top spot last campaign – something easily forgotten – but they will have problems replacing Hleb and especially Flamini, who formed a superb partnership with Cesc Fabregas last season. If Robin van Persie, who possesses a lethal shot and intricate ball-control, and Emmanuel Adebayor rely gel, fans could be salivating, But a chronic lack of depth – above all in defence – will preclude a major title challenge, though there is a chance of silverware elsewhere.

Tottenham could yet lose both parts of their formidable strike-force before August is out. Yet they have recruited sagaciously, especially in the exciting trio of David Bentley, Luka Modic and Giovanni dos Santos. With Juande Ramos having had the benefit of ten months to shape the squad he wants then he will feel he has the resources to challenge the top four, especially if Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate do not miss too many games.

It has been a somewhat tumultuous summer at Man City. However, they have an excellent new manager in Mark Hughes, so impressive at Blackburn. Add in the signing of Jo, who should add some of the penetration that prevented a top-six finish last time around and, with Dunne, Richards and Hart keeping the goals down, prospects are rather better than many have made out.

Fifth and sixth places guarantee entry into the Uefa Cup and Intertoto Cup respectively, though in the likely event of one of the top four winning one of the domestic cups, seventh position might be enough for entry into European competition. Aston Villa made it to the Intertoto last season and look well-poised for another stab despite the turmoil over Gareth Barry. Sidwell, Friedel, Young, Cuellar and Shorey have all entered and another challenge for the top positions is anticipated. Portsmouth’s spending has been limited but Crouch and Sahar have come in, adding much-needed strength to the forward line, while Everton have spent nothing and will struggle to imitate last season’s exceptional form resultantly. Outside bets come in the form of Tyne pair Newcastle and Middlesbrough, though neither club’s spending has suggests they can challenge the existing favourites.

The perennial battle for the newly promoted sides against the drop begins in earnest and once again, it seems all three will be in the vicinity of the relegation zone this season. West Brom are best equipped to survive - not least because of their recent experiences - and should manage it, but the futures of Stoke and Hull look far gloomier. Both surprise promotions, the pair have not spent diligently enough in the summer to justify survival although, hopefully, they should avoid the embarrassments suffered by the likes of Watford and Derby in previous years. Bolton are also sitting precariously. Questions linger over Gary Megson’s ability and Johann Elmander’s contribution will be key - the Swede is a direct replacement for Nicolas Anelka.

Fulham have spent even more money than last season but far more wisely this time around and the attacking duo of Zamora and Johnson should be enough to keep them above the drop zone while Blackburn’s whirlwind summer has left the club destabilised - and potentially at risk from relegation. Mark Hughes’s exit has caused mass confusion and Paul Ince is facing a player revolt from those who remain after Brad Friedel and David Bentley’s significant departures. Much depends on Roque Santa Cruz staying the entire season - and recreating the form of last season - along with Benni McCarthy up front. Blackburn could be a decent outside bet for relegation. Wigan have done some good summer business and should have enough quality to steer clear of the bottom three.

During the intervening years, Stoke have flirted with the two leagues directly below the Premier League and have added some silverware to their cabinet on three occassions- the glorious Auto Windscreens Trophy twice and the Division Two Championship. It is hardly a glittering two decades for the second oldest league club in the World.

Having endured the horror of managers such as Chris Kamara, Alan Ball and Joe Jordan, Stoke now have the right man at the helm. Tony Pulis has guided Stoke to quite possibly the most important silverware in the clubs history- a small silver tray with the wording “Championship Runners Up”.

Many pundits have already written off Stoke’s chances of survival, declaring they will ‘do a Derby’. Make no mistake, this won’t be happening. Pulis has moulded a solid squad with a tremendous team spirit and despite not being as successful as he would have hoped in the transfer market, new faces are just around the corner.

The three that the Welshman has acquired so far all have the potential to succeed this season. Record signing Dave Kitson managed to hit the back of the net ten times for a relegated Reading last season, while Thomas Sorensen still has a point to prove after falling out with Martin O’Neill at Aston Villa. Seyi Olofinjana has also arrived from Midlands rivals Wolves, and his box to box style could be the difference between relegation and survival.

A strong pre-season has seen Stoke unbeaten on home soil, and even beat the national team of Bahrain along the way. However, it is Saturday’s clash at Bolton’s Reebok Stadium that Stoke supporters have been waiting for since promotion was secured with a 0-0 draw against Leicester on 4 May. Having had a taste of Premier League opposition in January (with two cup ties against Newcastle) Stoke are ready to be catapulted onto the World stage and be watched by millions in the Far East and the like.

The global explosion of World football since Stoke were last in this league is phenomenal. The invention of the Premier League and the addition of Sky Sports to our televisions has made the ‘EPL’ the most lucrative sporting league on this planet. With a pot of gold amounting to roughly £60 million, it makes the scramble to escape the Championship even more important.

Even if Stoke do find themselves in the wrong position come the end of the season, they will have enough money in the bank to give themselves a very good chance of bolstering their squad and return to the top flight even stronger. The more teams that get relegated from the top flight is making the Championship like a mini-Premier League, which makes Stoke and Hull’s achievements of promotion even more remarkable.

This season proves to be an exciting adventure for every Stokie in the World- at the stadium, watching Jeff Stelling on Sky for updates, or watching in a pub in Australia.

This is a campaign for memories. Cherish them.

Summer Activity: Stoke have added just three players thus far, the most impressive being Reading’s Dave Kitson for a club record £5.5 million. Despite having plenty of money at his disposal, manager Pulis is looking for the right character of player to add to the ranks, resulting in him turning down a move for Valencia’s Nikola Zigic. More faces must follow soon for Stoke to stand any chance of survival.

Key Men: Set pieces are going to be huge for Stoke this season, and it will be hoped that last season’s player of the year Liam Lawrence can replicate his form. At the back, ex-Man Utd man Ryan Shawcross will have his work cut out but he has shown the potential to be a future England centre half. If Kitson can score another ten goals (like he did last season) then it will be money well invested.

Rising Star: With committed youngsters Carl Dickinson and Andy Wilkinson waiting in the wings, this will be the season that Shawcross comes of age. Weighing in with some superb defending, as well as a healthy tally of eight goals last season, there are high hopes for the under 21 international. His progress could well hinge on whether Pulis decides to sign a new centre back to partner him this season.

Coach: The Welsh wizard Tony Pulis has performed miracles to get Stoke into the top flight. Working with a tight budget, the chairman’s wallet opened a little last season to ensure The Potters secured promotion. Pulis has worked shrewdly in the market this summer but needs to work quickle to add more. If anybody can keep Stoke afloat this season, it is Pulis.

Prospects for 2008/09: Surviving relegation would surpass Stoke’s achievement of gaining promotion last season. It is as simple as that. In Pulis, Stoke have a cautious manager who will be able to grind out results when the chips are down. Make no mistake, Stoke won’t ‘do a Derby’. This will be a tight season at the bottom end of the table and it will be hoped that the new faces at the Britannia Stadium have enough class to keep them above the drop line.

Footballing World Prediction: 18th

Such rare spine from an organization that continues officially to refer to the South as ‘Korea Republic’ and the North as ‘Korea DPR’ (Democratic People’s Republic, for heaven’s sake?) in one of its typical political fudges of the sort that still sees Taiwan known as ‘Chinese Taipei’ and China as ‘China PR’ - and we all know Sepp Blatter loves a bit of PR.

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Although you have to wonder who was advising the FIFA president in that department when he referred to Manchester Utd’s insistence that Cristiano Ronaldo respect his (extremely lucrative) contract as ‘slavery’. A more injudicious word for the circumstance scarcely exists in the whole of the English language.

The whole saga is a bit like the Fayed v Hamilton libel case in 1999 in that it is difficult for any neutral onlooker to adopt anything other than a ‘plague on all their houses’ stance. Manchester Utd have unsettled plenty of other teams’ players in the past (Owen Hargreaves, anybody?), Ronaldo’s greed and preened self-image can invite little other than contemptuous ridicule while Real Madrid remain a club on whom the notions of loyalty, dignity or class are entirely lost. Blatter’s comments, as well as being distasteful, are also wrong in spirit.

If any party deserves sympathy it is the Manchester Utd support base who quickly forgave Ronaldo after the 2006 World Cup quarter final to-do with Wayne Rooney and egged him on to produce two of the best individual seasons Old Trafford has seen since George Best was in his pomp.

Still, the United fans need not be too downhearted. Ronaldo played well in fits and starts against Turkey and the Czech Republic at Euro 2008 but was as anonymous against Germany in the Basel quarter final mayhem as he was over-egged in the 2006 World Cup. And Nani, brought on as a substitute, did more to unsettle the German defence in twenty minutes than Ronaldo did in ninety.

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Is Scott Carson the future of English goalkeeping, or will he forever be the hapless figure beaten by two hopeful, improbable long-range punts from Niko Kranjcar and Mladen Petric at Wembley last November? We will certainly find out next season if his expected £4m sale to Stoke City goes through; there will be fewer more demanding jobs in the Premier League next season than that of Potters goalkeeper.

At least Stoke are showing a little ambition and foresight in his acquisition; the two things every promoted side need to move heaven and Earth to sign are a decent goalkeeper and a striker capable of scoring fifteen goals or more in a season. Derby County had neither last season.

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In the hope that you’ll have forgotten my assertion last week that Ronaldinho will not be joining Manchester City - the Eastlands side now appear to be favourites to sign him - let us instead concentrate on Barcelona’s peculiar decision to attempt to block him from playing for Brazil in the Olympics. The gold medal remains the only major international title Brazil have never won and is consequently taken very seriously in the South American nation. Barcelona may have UEFA Champions League qualifying games in August, but why they are threatening to withhold the services of a player they are trying desperately to flog to the highest bidder only they know, but it should be none of their business who an international side call up for a competitive tournament.

FIFA do not, technically, award the men’s Olympic football competition full international status as squads are limited to only three players over the age of 23 - a rule that remains a relic of the decision to allow professional footballers to take part from the 1984 Games onwards, the age restrictions coming in in 1992. During the amateur era, eastern European sides dominated as their state-sponsored athletes ran rings round non-professional sides from the rest of the world. 23 of the 27 football medals between 1938 and 1980 went to Eastern Bloc. This time around it should be more open, with Brazil, Argentina, Italy and the Netherlands hopeful of success while Belgium and Serbia both have youngsters with plenty of potential.

Some Premier League sides will lose players for the opening games of the season to the tournament in China; Manchester Utd will be without Anderson, Blackburn Rovers without New Zealand defender Ryan Nelsen while Liverpool could lose the services of three players, Brazil’s Lucas, Argentina’s Javier Mascherano and Dutchman Ryan Babel. Babel missed Euro 2008 through injury enabling him to join the Netherlands squad in China as the Dutch FA have ruled that no member of the European Championship squad can also be called up for the Olympics.