Right now, the answer is probably 'no' given Manchester City's recent run of form.
Manuel Pellegrini's pursuit of silverware was dealt another debilitating blow on Saturday afternoon as his side quivered in yet another miserable display at the Etihad Stadium. James Milner's 90th minute free kick offered a flash of the brilliance the current league champions are capable of, but his wonder-strike could only salvage his side a point against Hull City. The Blues are now winless in their last five games in all competitions and sit seven points behind José Mourinho's Chelsea.
(James Milner rescued City a point with a stunning 90th minute free kick on Saturday afternoon - image via @MCFC)
And a mid-week trip to one of the division's most infamous fortresses couldn't come at a worse time for a Chilean under pressure. Stoke City have been guilty of loosening the security at the Britannia Stadium this term having won only five of their 11 home fixtures, but their Premier League record against City in their own back yard will give Mark Hughes hope of third win in four league ties on Wednesday night.
Sixteen years have passed since Manchester City last won a league game on Staffordshire soil and the Potters boast an unbeaten record in their six home fixtures against the Blues since they were promoted to the Premier League in 2008.
Hughes' mid-table dwellers have been accused of softening the 'gritty' approach that they were famed for under Tony Pulis, but the change in philosophy has indubitably benefited the side. Stoke have acquired a fresh list of capabilities under the Welshman including the ability to dominate teams in possession rather than through physicality. Since Hughes' inauguration, the Potters have increased their average possession from 46% in 2012/2013 to 49% in 2013/2014 and so far this season. Their pass completion has risen by 8%, their average duels won by 3% and they have already created 78% of the total amount of chances they managed in the entire 2012/2013 season.
(Mark Hughes has infused his side with flair since taking over in 2013 - image via Stoke City Offical Facebook)
But the former Manchester United legend's men still possess a repository of steel and strength that will surely trouble Manchester City. Pellegrini's men notoriously struggle against teams who put men behind the ball and Hughes will have no shame in reverting to those 'park the bus' tactics should it mean three points for his side.
Without Yaya Touré, whom City have not won a game without since March 2014, David Silva and Samir Nasri have failed to propel their team through the barriers of strong Arsenal, Middlesbrough and Hull City defences and City's incompetence on the flanks has made it impossible for Manuel Pellegrini to devise a plan B.
(Yaya Touré captained the Ivory Coast to AFCON glory on Monday night, but his absence has taken its toll on his club - image via @MCFC)
With the in-form Steven N'Zonzi patrolling the space just in front of Stoke's defence, Silva and Nasri are likely to endure another frustrating 90 minutes on Wednesday night and Pellegrini's position at the club could be thrown further into the grey.
