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Manchester City will look to going some way to securing top spot going into 2012, but know they will have to work hard for the points when they go up against an in-form Stoke side.
Having been accused of losing their nerve after defeats against Napoli and Chelsea in quick succession, Roberto Mancini’s men responded in emphatic fashion as they edged past Arsenal thanks to a David Silva effort in the second half.
That victory helped the Blues re-establish their two point gap at the top of the table having briefly fallen into second place after Manchester United’s 2-0 win over QPR, and City will be looking to maintain that gap and stand in the way of Sir Alex Ferguson’s demand of his team to secure top spot going into 2012.
Stoke meanwhile have proved they have moved past their early season inconsistencies in particular after Europa League games, picking up all three points against Wolves over the weekend on the back of their 3-1 defeat against Besiktas on the continent.
Perhaps the breakthrough moment in the Potter’s season came two weeks ago with a 2-1 win over high flying Tottenham that brought their 11 game unbeaten run to a halt.
That win would have done wonders for Tony Pulis and his side’s confidence and now he will target a surprise win against another one of the big boys against the odds.
Of course the game will proved bittersweet memories for the Potters after they lost a tight FA Cup final to City last season after Yaya Toure scored the only goal of the game.
The visitors will certainly be hoping to gain some form of revenge, although they face a tough task against a side that have scored fifty goals already this season.
Pablo Zabaleta was forced to fill in at full back for the win over Arsenal on Sunday but the returning Gael Clichy will be available having been suspended to the game against his former side, while Aleksander Kolarov remains on the sidelines.
Stoke have no new injury worries going into the game, and are still without long-term absentees Glen Whelan, Andy Wilkinson and Mamady Sidibe.
Match Winner
Manchester City go into the game as favourites but know they face a tough test against a Stoke side that halted Tottenham so effectively.
Roberto Mancini’s side are 1.25 (1/4) BoyleSports while Stoke are placed at 15.00 (14/1) with Bet365 to take victory, odds certainly worth considering.
The draw is 6.50 (11/2) with VC Bet.
First Goalscorer
Manchester City’s cast array of attacking talent means a trio of forwards in blue lead the first goalscorer market.
Sergio Aguero is 8.00 (7/1) with @ Bet365 to score first while team-mate Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli are placed at 5.00 (4/1) with Ladbrokes and Paddy Power respectively.
Peter Crouch represents Stoke’s best chances of opening the scoring, with the former Spurs man placed at 15.00 (14/1) with Bet365.
Recommended Bets
First Goalscorer: David Silva, 6.50 (11/2)SkyBet
Correct score: 3-1 Manchester City, 11.00 (10/1) BetFred
