Date: 3rd December 2015 at 7:17pm
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Lots of us like to play 5-a-side football in our spare time, but have you ever considered how the team you support would line-up if they were limited to five players?

Based on current form, and with a formation of one goalkeeper, one defender, two midfielders and one striker, we at Shoot thought it would be interesting to see who would make the grade for each Premier League outfit.

Here’s what we came up with for Stoke…

Goalkeeper:

Jack Butland

Probably the top-flight’s best stopper so far this term, Jack Butland is living up to the hype which surrounded him after bursting onto the scene as a teenager.

With the most saves (44) in the Premier League this season and five clean sheets, the 22-year-old has shown his class in the top-flight.

With his shot-stopping ability and all-round quality, the England international would prove a tough nut to crack in 5-a-side.

Defender:

Erik Pieters has been impressive since signing in June 2013

Erik Pieters

Ryan Shawcross would’ve probably been our defender if he hadn’t suffered with injury.

But the Stoke skipper’s misfortune has opened the door to Dutchman Erik Pieters, who has played more minutes than any other City player this term.

A natural defender, the 27-year-old would relish a one v one battle with any opposing striker.

Midfielders:

Glenn Whelan

If anyone can be called Mr Consistent in the Stoke squad then it’s midfielder Glenn Whelan.

The 31-year-old is the unsung hero of the side he’s represented since 2008.

With the ability to break up play, a tidy pass and a decent striker of the ball, the Republic of Ireland man is the perfect 5-a-side player.

Marko Arnautovic

Marko Arnautovic has three Premier League goals this season

After a mixed start to his Stoke career, Marko Arnautovic is starting to find the consistency which saw him labelled as a potential superstar in his younger days.

The Austria star has scored three times and created 19 chances this term, relishing the fierce competition that is now in the squad.

At 26, he’s at the peak of his fitness and his skill coupled with physical presence makes him a valuable asset in 5-a-side.

Striker:

Bojan

Mame Biram Diouf and Peter Crouch have both struggled for form this term, leading to us including Bojan as the centre-forward.

His wonderful technical ability makes the Spaniard the ideal player for a small-sided game, while his eye for goal and creativity will prove to be Stoke’s main threat.

With the ability to play as a wide man and a number 10, the ex-Barcelona wonderkid could easily interchange with Arnautovic to confuse opponents.

 
Brought to you by Shoot!

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