Manchester City rivals: Which EPL club poses biggest threat to title push?

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 15: The Manchester City team line up prior to the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg match between Manchester City FC and FC Dynamo Kyiv at the Etihad Stadium on March 15, 2016 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /

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HAMBURG, GERMANY – AUGUST 06: Filip Kostic of Hamburg challenges Geoff Cameron of Stoke City during the pre-season friendly match between Hamburger SV and Stoke City at Volksparkstadion on August 6, 2016 in Hamburg, Germany. (Photo by Joachim Sielski/Bongarts/Getty Images) /

9) Stoke City

Previously known for its on-field thuggery instead of artistry, Stoke City has changed its identity since Tony Pulis left. Via the creativity found in of signings, Xerdan Shaquiri and Marko Arnautovic, the Potters have discovered they like playing the beautiful game beautifully. Victories against Manchester United, Everton and that 2-0 manhandling of Manchester City spring to mind, illustrating this epiphany in emphatic fashion. Joe Allen might be the club’s flashiest signing of the window, improving a solid corps of midfield options. Also, Pulis’ successor Mark Hughes has guided his side to three consecutive 9th place finishes.

So Stoke seem consistent and capable. And given the embarrassing defeat suffered at the Britannia last year, the Blues should view Hughe’s squad with some caution.

Next: No. 8 Everton