Having defeated Rotherham United and West Bromwich Albion on the opening weekend of the season and in the EFL Cup respectively, Alex Neil would have been optimistic of halting the form of Ipswich Town last weekend.
Instead, Stoke succumbed to a 2-0 defeat at Portman Road, with Neil feeling the need to make a tactical change shortly after the half-hour mark having been concerned that the Tractor Boys could get away from them.
Losing relatively tamely in East Anglia threatens to put a dampener on Stoke’s opening results, yet they remain in the mid-table spots having lost away to the early league leaders.
In the preceding games at their home ground, they netted six times, although the constant incomings and outgoings at the club probably need to end before they can really find their groove.
Former Aston Villa frontman Wesley Moraes has hinted that he could prove to be an important member of this squad given the physical presence that he offered in the final 56 minutes at Ipswich.
Despite Stoke showcasing their attacking threat earlier in the season, they now face opponents who are coming off the back of two shutouts in the second tier.
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Recently-appointed head coach Valerien Ismael would have been disappointed with the goalless draw posted against League One champions Plymouth Argyle last weekend.
Nevertheless, it kept things ticking over in the right direction during the early stages of the season when there have been mass arrivals and departures.
Only being regarded as a dark horse for promotion arguably suits Ismael and his style of play, but he will want to get as many early points in the bag as possible given the usual longevity of head coaches at Vicarage Road.
