Even at this early stage of the season, Stoke City are in a pretty desperate situation with Gary Rowett's men languishing in the bottom half of the table.

Results have been very poor and the performances arguably worse, with the Potters failing to adapt to life back in the second tier.

It will frustrate supporters as on paper the Staffordshire side have one of the best squads in the division, which is why they were favourites for the title before a ball was kicked.

Yet, a 3-2 reverse at home to Blackburn last time out leaves the team in 18th position, nine points off the leaders.

Given that, Rowett will have to make some tough calls and needs to be prepared to leave out some big names ahead of Saturday's game at Rotherham. great

Here we look at the XI he should go with for the evening game in Yorkshire...

The England keeper really needs to improve but he will keep the number one shirt.

Something has clearly gone on with the player and Rowett but his exclusion is helping nobody.

Bauer is the best right-back at the club and needs to be given a run in the team to help the side climb the table.

Another who is massively underperforming, but Shawcross should just keep his place as the back-up options also aren't up to it.

The skipper could do well against Rotherham though, in what should be a physical battle.

He too may enjoy the style that the Millers go with and should just get the nod ahead of Bruno Martins Indi who has been woeful and Harry Souttar who isn't quite ready yet.

Williams has endured an awful start to his Stoke career and needs to deliver a big performance.

It's not hard to see why Stoke are struggling, with the left-back another who is not doing enough.

Rowett could be tempted to play Martina at left-back but the side would then lack balance as he is right-footed.

The Nigerian international has good energy and will look to get about the Rotherham side as well as driving forward.

The former Brentford man will be the one to set the tempo for Stoke. He has shown his quality at this level for the Bees over the years and could be an important player for the Potters.

Ince is a major threat to any side in the Championship on his day but needs to find a consistency with Stoke.

As well as struggling defensively, Rowett's side are not building up play well enough and are often predictable and easy to defend against.

That would change by including the former Barcelona man as a number ten, giving him license to be the creative outlet in this side.

Even though it's not his best position, Berahino can do a job from the left side and would look to make runs inside that provide another attacking threat.

If things aren't working, he could move up top with Bojan coming left in a standard 4-4-2.

Whilst his general play hasn't been great for Stoke, Afobe is a goalscorer.

He has four for the season and has shown throughout his career he can make the difference in the Championship.