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All Stoked Up Christmas Round Table: “We need firepower” at Stoke City

By Jack Dudley

In electric form for Newcastle United, could Stoke City prise the attacker from Geordie hands? (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
In electric form for Newcastle United, could Stoke City prise the attacker from Geordie hands? (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images) /
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In the All Stoked Up office this festive period, we wanted to know what each of us would like to see under the Stoke City tree.

With Christmas Day now only mere hours away, it won’t be long until children and adults alike open presents up and down the country.

What would we like to see coming out of the wrapping paper at the Bet365 Stadium? Let’s get to the thoughts of our staff…

Garry Welsh

There’s absolutely no doubt that we are struggling up front somewhat. Wilfried Bony just hasn’t done what he came in to do.

It’s clear Mark Hughes has lost patience with him, as he now can’t even get into the starting line-up. With that in mind, it’s quite an alarming situation that needs to be resolved sooner than later.

It’s a difficult question this one, but judging on recent form and realistic availability, I’m going to have to go for Dwight Gayle.

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Now, it’s highly unlikely that Newcastle United will be willing to let their prized striker out of their sight. That being said, the out-and-out striker is scoring for fun in the Championship.

He is often put into the “too good for the Championship, not good enough for the top-flight” category. With a record of 15 league goals in 64 games however, they’re not exactly horrendous numbers.

If it is at all possible, Gayle would no doubt need to be bought by Stoke City. He could prove to be a worthy investment for the Potters, though.

Daniel Garza

I’m definitely in agreement with Garry, (and probably most of Staffordshire) we are struggling up front.

It’s a tough position to fill though, the centre-forward role. With teams now mainly deploying the one up front, it’s hard to find the perfect option.

Most clubs will be reluctant to loan out to fellow league opposition. As such, I think the Potters need to maybe look to the continent.

A name perhaps unfamiliar with most of the Premier League followers, my shout is going to Eric Choupo-Moting.

I forgive you for the “who?” that just came out of your mouth. Choupo-Moting is a hard-working forward currently on the books at FC Schalke 04.

GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY – NOVEMBER 27: Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (L) of Schalke celebrates his team’s second goal during the Bundesliga match between FC Schalke 04 and SV Darmstadt 98. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Bongarts/Getty Images)
GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY – NOVEMBER 27: Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (L) of Schalke celebrates his team’s second goal during the Bundesliga match between FC Schalke 04 and SV Darmstadt 98. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Bongarts/Getty Images) /

The Cameroonian is versatile, and can be deployed anywhere on the front-line. So far this season though, he has found his opportunities rather limited.

Despite this, he has managed to net three goals and provide four assists on top. He has also managed to grab 13 goals in 42 appearances for his nation.

It’s an unorthodox option, but it may be one that Stoke City may benefit from.

Jack Dudley

I’m going to continue the trend set by the other lads here; another striking option is much needed in January!

Garry is quite right, Bony just hasn’t filled the required shoes so far, which is frustrating. Not only for Stoke City fans but fans of the Premier League in general.

His form at Swansea City was electric, and people couldn’t wait to see it again – the wait goes on.

With the goals seemingly drying up, Hughes and the club need reinforcements soon. I agree with the others – it’s a hard  position to fill these days.

My vote is going to Vincent Janssen of Spurs. Jansson’s career in the Premier League hasn’t got off to the greatest of starts.

The Dutchman has got nowhere near his Eredivisie form with AZ Alkmaar, where he netted a whopping 27 goals in 34 games.

Playing second fiddle to Harry Kane at the Lane, Spurs may be fearing a similar situation to that of Roberto Soldado is happening again.

This time, they may potentially be looking to offload slightly sooner. A chance at a different club may be the answer for Janssen.

The verdict

Well, a unanimous decision on the area of the field Stoke City need development.

It’s quite clear we all agree that we need strengthening up top. Is it time to send Bony back to Manchester, or does he need another chance?

Let us know in the comments below who you’d rather see at Stoke City in January. Fancy letting fellow Potters in on your opinion?