MAN CITY v Stoke: The PREVIEW – City’s Probable Team

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Just three days after the thrilling victory over Arsenal, City play host to Stoke in what promises to be another stiff challenge. This is a repeat of the FA Cup final from last season, where Yaya Touré’s powerful strike secured our first trophy in 35 years and should the Blues seal a win on Wednesday, it would mean that we top the Premier League table on Christmas Day.

However, Stoke are more than capable of ruining our plans. They have won their past four matches in domestic action and are a side known for the ability to make life difficult for opposition teams with their physical play and commitment to the cause. We will need to make sure that we are up for the battle and rise to the challenge. If we are fully focused on this game, bearing in mind the quality of football we have been producing this season, we ought to be OK.

With regards to team selection, Roberto Mancini has indicated that he will make perhaps three or four changes from the side which battled to a victory over Arsenal. I’d imagine Joleon Lescott will replace Kolo Touré, such is his extra dominance in the air, whilst Gael Clichy is free from suspension and could return to the leftback slot instead of Pablo Zabaleta. That would be indubitably harsh on the Argentinean, who was superb on Sunday and who is just the sort of character we will need against Stoke.

Further forward and Edin Dzeko, should he recover from a slight knock in training, is in line to start, with Mancini viewing his aerial ability as key. James Milner is another pushing for a place, with Mario Balotelli, Sergio Aguero and Samir Nasri all possible candidates to drop out.

Here is the side Mancini could select:

The visitors are hampered by the suspension to their captain and centre-back Ryan Shwacross, whilst Andy Wilkinson and former City Academy graduate Glenn Whelan are both doubtful with injury. In attack, the Leviathon Peter Crouch has often caused us problems in the past and Jon Walters will hope to stretch our backline with his willingness to run the channels. Rory Delap’s throws will obviously be a threat, as will Matty Etherington’s trickery down the left.

Referee: Mike Dean – The only other game he officiated City this season was the first match of the season: a 4-0 home victory against Swansea. Usually very dependable although he does have a penchant for penalties.

Prediction: MAN CITY 2 - 1 Stoke – I think it will be a hard-fought victory and a game in which we will need to show our character and winning mentality. Goals to be scored by Jon Walters, Mario Balotelli and Sergio Aguero.

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