Even though Stoke City is just a third of the way through the season, there is still plenty of time for new coach Narcis Pelach to establish himself and shape his team into heroes or villains. Our international break fans’ panel’s second section examines what is anticipated or desired to occur next.

Stoke City Connect members James Knowles from Fenton, Ian Parkes from Matlock, Richard James from Blythe Bridge, and Jon Owen from Seabridge are rendering their decisions. Part one is available here.

Which player are you expecting or hoping will burst through to become an important player between now and the end of the season?

However, I still believe that Sam Gallagher, a target man who will give our game a distinct edge, has the potential to make a significant impact, particularly if he can overcome his injury issues. He provides us a physicality we haven’t always had up front, and I believe Tom Cannon would have benefited from playing with him.

James KnowlesSeko and Sidibe are the two midfielders I’m considering.I’m happy that Pelach has given Seko a chance because he provides a little bit of everything, and the early sightings of him are fascinating. It’s a little sad that Sidibe hasn’t had more playing time in the past year or two. Despite his youth, he appears unfazed by anything and is quite neat in

Parkes, Ian:In my opinion, Sol Sidibe should be up there at the end of the season given the enormous resources that is currently flowing through the academy. In addition to being the son of a former Stokie, he exhibits remarkable skill and a football-like mind for his age. It was incredible that he made his debut at the age of sixteen, and he has already participated in four league and four cup matches this season. He already has experience playing for England’s under-18 team and would fit right in with the senior squad. He can link up play and make telling passes, and his midfield skills and composure are far above his years. I’m hoping that one participant will really

Richard JamesIn order to respond to this question and name three players, I believe I must be avaricious. We are very excited to watch Bosun Lawal because he has been cultivated into a pretty good player and I have big expectations for him. He might be a tremendous asset to the second half of the season if he can provide us with the strength and running power we lack in the midfield, along with some bite in the middle of the game.

My next pick is Tom Cannon, who already tied for the most goals scored the previous season. As the team grows, I think he will flourish and his superb movement, which his teammates don’t always notice, will be seen more frequently. I honestly don’t see why he can’t at least threaten the now-famous 20-goal season for us. Sam Gallagher’s availability and our ability to get them on the pitch simultaneously will determine a lot, but as we saw at Blackburn, his presence greatly benefits a team’s star striker.

Tatsuki Seko is the third player I have. Our Japanese midfielder has had to wait, but he has showed initiative and a willingness to move over the field in recent games. He is also available to receive the ball and transfer it swiftly, which may be a huge advantage to us. Although it’s still very early with him, I hope he keeps going, picks it up, and starts for us more frequently.

What should be Stoke’s priority for the January transfer window?

Jon Owen: A clone of Viktor Johansson because I’m afraid he’ll get hurt!

It is my sincere hope that we are able to retain loan players Tom Cannon, Lewis Koumas, Andy Moran, and Ashley Phillips. It wouldn’t hurt to have a defensive midfielder and target man if Lawal and Gallagher suffer from injury.

James Knowles: Our defence needs to be strengthened. From their time together at Norwich, Gibson may have been Pelach’s trusty lieutenant, but I’m not sure how much I trust him on the pitch because he makes too many careless errors. I would want to see a new right back and a new face next to Phillips, who should be a constant at the back while we have him. Additionally, suppose we discover a magical cure

Ian Parkes: In my opinion, a defensive midfielder—a Nzonzi, if you will—must be the top priority. Someone who can swiftly turn it into an attack and assist with defence when necessary.

Richard JamesThere are still some holes in the squad that need to be filled or at the very least covered with a sticky plaster. We simply lack sufficient backup, so I can’t bear to imagine what would happen if Viktor sustained a long-term injury. Junior Tchamadeu was struggling at right back, so Pelach looked to Ben Wilmot to fill the position. Due to the former Watford player’s illness, Junior had to make a comeback, and I must say he has seized the chance and appears to be in better health than before.

As previously stated, everyone is hoping that Lawal will come in and completely change our midfield, but I have a hunch that we could still use a true bruiser to help us out when things go rough. The sooner we see the former Fleetwood loanee play, the better, since he might be that man as well!

If I were being extremely avaricious, I would like to add another wide player to the attack to cover for injuries and slumps in form, but more importantly, considering Gallagher’s issues, we could definitely need another seasoned striker. We have very few options, so if we want a chance to get in and stay in, we need to focus on strengthening that area in January.