Mark Hughes and Stoke need to pretty much pick up where they left off while continuing to slowly progress up the Premier League table.

No-one expects Stoke to be in the relegation battle, but a top-four finish is also a very unrealistic target this season.

For Hughes, the next 10 months is about trying to fight their way into the top 10 and finish in a Europa League position.

The squad built at Stanley Matthews Way is capable of comfortably finishing in the top half and the 6-1 drubbing of Liverpool at the end of last season showed that, on their day, Stoke can not only put up a fight against the big boys but they can also play them off the pitch.

The addition of Ibrahim Afellay is evidence that the club are no longer buying six-foot players in an attempt to bully teams for 90 minutes.

Signed from Barcelona, Afellay is a tricky winger who will cause defences problems and set up chances for his teammates.

There is a more passing-based style being implemented under Hughes and Marco van Ginkel’s arrival from Chelsea is more proof that there is change at Stoke.

The loss of Asmir Begovic is a big one. His departure for Chelsea leaves a massive hole in the team but Jack Butland has the potential to fill it.

While young, Butland is a terrific shot-stopper and will benefit from having a settled and stable back four in front of him.

It will also help having Shay Given to learn from. Given was signed from Aston Villa and should Butland need a bit more time to get to grips with being a starter in the top flight, the Ireland international can come in and steady the ship.

Playing Liverpool in the first game of the season will be tricky. The Merseyside club will want revenge after last term’s drubbing but it offers a huge opportunity for the Potters.

If they can pick up three points on the opening day, not only will it give them confidence for the following games, it will reaffirm their belief that they can topple the sides in the top six.

Do that consistently — while picking off the teams in the relegation battle — and there is no reason why Hughes can’t guide his team to a top-eight finish.

Last season they were two points from eighth place and eight points off from finishing sixth. Bojan Krkic’s return from injury will be key to picking up two or three extra wins and, should he stay fit for the full season, expect Stoke to be dark horses in the race for Europe.