Stoke City have had a torrid start to the Championship season following their relegation from the top-flight of English football in the last campaign.

Having picked up a dismal two points from the opening four matches of the 2018/19 season, Gary Rowett will be hoping that his new look side can turn things around in the coming weeks, and pick up points when it matters most.

The Potters, who were forced into the sales of a number of high-profile players following their relegation, have brought in very good replacements to bolster their squad.

However, whether time is needed for the new players to bond with the existing squad will have to be seen, but Rowett will start to face some tough questions if results don’t start to pick up in the next handful of matches.

If Stoke fail to improve substantially soon, comparisons will undoubtedly begin to be made to that of Sunderland.

Following Sunderland's back-to-back relegations, the club finds themselves in League One. Whilst Jack Ross’ men appear to be succeeding thus far that is not where the Potters faithful want their beloved club to be.

It is still very early days at the bet365 Stadium, but without a win so far this season, question marks over the current squad have began to appear already.

The Potters did arguably improve their defence with the arrival of Cuco Martina and Ashley Williams, but the signing of the forwards Tom Ince, who has not scored a goal in a competitive match since joining the Potters, and James McClean, who picked up more yellow cards than goals last season, are questionable.

Whilst both players are solid acquisitions on paper, they will need to prove themselves across the season.

Stoke City will more than likely just adapt to the new players, new manager and new league, and slowly rise through the table. But, it might always be worth thinking about what could happen if results continue to slip.

Sunderland were a Premier League mainstay a handful of years ago, and now play their football in the third-tier of English football – a reminder for Stoke City, and perhaps, a warning.

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