THE NEW SEASON IS UP ON IS, but it’s full of pessimistic Stoke fans as we stall in pre season.

Stoke only managed to win once during pre season against a Cork side even Port Vale would have gave a game too.

Many say that pre season is all about gaining match fitness, but we should of at least seen some sort of system, some sort of patterns of play that O’Neill would like to achieve during the season.

What we have seen is the same as we’ve seen for the last two season, slow passing around the back, panic when pressed and no out ball to a striker that can take the ball with his back to goal to take the pressure off the defence for a bit. 

•Stoke have only won one of the last 8 first games of the season, where as today opponents have only lost 1 of the last 8 opening games. (Anyone want to bet on the outcome)

How have we faired in previous meetings.

Todays fixture will be the 58meeting between the two sides

Stoke wins 23

Draws 15

Millwall wins 19

The last meeting 

The last meeting between Stoke & Millwall was back in March when Stoke ran out 2-0 winners. Stoke won due because we were more clinical in-front of goal, but you can bet your bottom dollar that Benik Afobe will be desperate to score against the Potters having been unable to play against us while on loan at Millwall last season. 

The last time Stoke visited the New Den the London based side beat the Potters 2-1 thanks to a great second half performance from Tom Bradshaw. 

Who’s the threat

Millwall have a couple of new recruits but also lost a brilliant player in Jed Wallace. One notable recruit was bringing in Stoke player Beink Afobe on a permanent deal. Benik if played correctly is one of the best Strikers in the league, unfortunately his now manager Gary Rowett while Stoke manger hadn’t got a scooby doo how to play him to get the best out of his skills.

How could Stoke set up for the game.

That really is the 64 thousand dollar question. Stoke have brought into the club a number of new players mainly on loan but not in the most important position we’ve needed since getting relegated for the Premier League. Stoke have signed Dwight Gayle and player we had lined up to sign, he would of if not for Gary Rowett saying he wanted Benik Afobe as he’s the best player for the league. Today puts them against each other, who will show whose best in the Championship.

What is your score Prediction?