Preview
Next stop Britannia Stadium; home of the putrid Potters who love to bully and bluster the blues every time they step foot in Stoke.
As their nickname suggests, the Potters are a workman-like team; the sort of team City seem to always have an issue with. Unsurprisingly, the blues have never been victorious in the Britannia Stadium since Stoke joined the top flight in 2008, collecting only 4 points from a possible 15.
They're not known for their flashy football, but at home 'effectiveness' is the key word. Enter Mark Hughes; a man intent on enforcing an attacking flair reminiscent of his glory days at Manchester United. The Welshman has been summoned by Stoke to imprint his style of play on a team that were guilty of relying on the long ball and unnaturally long throw-ins under Tony Pulis, and it seems to have worked.
Hughes' men sit 5th in the table and although it's early days, their position pays testament to Mark's brave style of management.
On a mission to deflate Stoke's balloon is Manuel Pellegrini. Steam will be flooding from his ears following a drastically unsuccessful international break which has seen David Silva and Gael Clichy tick their names off on City's growing injury list. However, glimmering performances from Aleksandar Kolarov and Samir Nasri in midweek will give the Chilean some hope.
Many will argue that the blues need to go like-for-like against a vibrant Stoke side, and I agree. The Potters won't give up, and therefore the likes of James Milner and Jack Rodwell may be utilised to combat their incessant energy.
Mark Hughes has never conquered the blues since his dismissal in 2009, let's hope that dismal record continues.
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Line-Up
Injury trouble is bound to affect the team and the absence of David Silva will leave Pellegrini with a tough choice to make. Stevan Jovetic is available for selection and his creative style could make him an ideal replacement for the Spaniard.
Stevan Jovetic against Bayern Munich in pre-season
Alvaro Negredo will be expecting to start after picking up City's Player of the Month award, Edin Dzeko is likely to drop to the bench.
Stoke's rough and ready style may also make James Milner a favourable option for Pellegrini.
Key Men
Alvaro Negredo
The Spaniards power and aerial ability will give City a perfect option up top, especially against a side like Stoke. He's made a lively start to life in Manchester and will be hoping to continue his fine record on Saturday afternoon.
Marko Arnautovic
The big Austrian promised big things at Inter but failed to achieve his potential. Now in the Premier League, his strength and height will be put to the ultimate test. Is the Premier League the perfect stage Stoke's new boy? We'll have to wait and see.
