Allen: Stoke looking up the table after strong run of form

Consistent selection is often the key to success, but Stoke City’s Joe Allen believes a new-look midfield has helped the Potters climb the table this season.

Stoke suffered a disastrous start to the campaign and languished in the relegation zone until a 2-0 win at Hull City in October.

But they now sit ninth – a familiar place, where they have finished the last three campaigns.

Manager Mark Hughes attempted to slowly change Stoke’s style of play, but the likes of Giannelli Imbula and Bojan have failed to perform at their best this season – forcing Hughes to chop and change until finding a consistent solution in the heart of midfield.

And it appears he has finally found one, with veterans Glenn Whelan and Charlie Adam playing behind Allen – who scored in Saturday’s 1-0 win against Crystal Palace.

“I think we have a bit of everything in our midfield three which is great,” the Welsh international said.

“There have been changes throughout the season and everybody knows they can’t rest on their laurels but in recent weeks it’s worked really well.

“I think that’s one of the reasons behind our good form in 2017 and to break 30 points is a big marker in the Premier League, particularly if you consider the start that we had.

“We’ve come a long way since those first few games and the three points at the weekend means we can look upwards again at who we can possibly chase and track down.”