5 possible replacements for Mark Hughes at Stoke City

Stoke City currently languish in 17th position on the table, just a point above the relegation zone, as the pressure mounts on manager Mark Hughes. The Welshman is the favourite to be the next managerial casualty in the league.

After 18 games so far this season, the Potters have recorded just 4 wins and 4 draws. With the intention of bettering last season's 13th place performance, Hughes went into the season aiming for a top half finish, however, the club's performances have dipped.

Here we take a look at five possible candidates who could replace Hughes if the club does sack their current manager.

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#5 Slavisa Jokanovic

Slavisa Jokanovic would bring an exciting style of play to the Bet365 Stadium

Currently, in charge of Fulham in the Championship, Slavisa Jokanovic was also the man responsible for getting Watford promoted to the Premier League back in 2015.

Since then, he has taken charge of Fulham and the club is currently in 12th place on the Championship table, eight points off the playoff spot.

Stoke could replace Hughes with Jokanovic who is renowned for looking to work with kids and the move could act as a signal of intent for the future for the club and the manager looking to establish themselves as an innovative, forward-looking Premier League side.

It would be a risky move given that the Serbian manager does not have any experience in the league, but like Marco Silva, Jokanovic could take the league by storm if given a shot.

#4 Aitor Karanka

The defensive-minded Karanka would help shore up the leaky defence if appointed

A former assistant to Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid and manager of Middlesbrough last season, Aitor Karanka is a possible option for the Potters.

He was a defender during his playing days and won numerous trophies with Real Madrid.

Given Stoke's shambolic defending this season, the Spaniard renowned for is defensive organization could be a great appointment for the club.

Stoke have lacked a defensive core for much of the season and with constant injuries inhibiting the new defenders from being properly integrated with the old stalwarts like Ryan Shawcross, a change in management could help the team's constant reshuffling at the back.

#3 Ryan Giggs

An untested Giggs may either be a great choice or a great disaster if chosen by Stoke

A former Manchester United player and interim manager, Ryan Giggs is another possible candidate to replace his former teammate as manager of Stoke City. With Hughes a defeat or two away from getting the sack, Giggs could be a suitable but risky choice for the Potters.

In what would be his first full-time appointment as a manager, Stoke would be taking a massive gamble though Giggs could be the man turn things around for the struggling club.

With bags of big-game experience as a player, he is not the obvious choice but could prove to be a surprise boon for the club.

Stoke City's primary goal for the second half of the season will be to ensure safety and a manager with an attacking style of football could suit the needs of the club, provided he does work on the backline.

#2 Steve McClaren

McClaren would bring an in-depth knowledge of the league to bear if he gets the job

The very experienced former manager of the English national team, Steve McClaren could be in contention for the job if Mark Hughes were to get sacked as manager.

McClaren began his coaching career with Derby County in 1995 as an assistant before joining Manchester United as assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson.

Further spells in Holland with Twente, Germany with Wolfsburg and England with Middlesborough, Derby County, and Newcastle followed as the Englishman continued his football learning journey.

An experienced, battle-hardened veteran, McClaren could be a good choice for the club, as his knowledge of the league and Englis football in general means he can jump in right away and start working on the team's issues.

#1 Tony Pulis

Tony Pulis' return would not be popular with Stoke fans

It would be a massive surprise if Stoke City chairman Peter Coates reappoints Tony Pulis as manager following the acrimonious nature of his departure.

The Welshman eventually fell out with Potters fans after they grew dissatisfied with his dour, ultra-defensive style of football and it is uncertain if they will welcome him back with open arms.

However, such is the depth of defensive issues at the club that even the most hardcore Pulis-hating Stoke fan would not mind seeing the abrasive Welshman return to the dugout if that would put an end to the run of losses and a huge number of goals conceded.

Pulis was only dismissed from his job at West Bromwich Albion recently and while it is not sure if he is looking for a new job, the feeling of having unfinished business with Stoke may propel him to give serious consideration to the offer if it comes his way.