Stoke City vs Manchester City: Preview and Prediction

Stoke City vs Manchester City
2016/17 English Premier League.
Date: Saturday, 20 August, 2016,
Kick-off: 15:00 UK.
Venue: Stoke-on-Trent.

Stoke City is Scheduled to take on Manchester City at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday, as Guardiola’s first Premier League away game.

Stoke’s opening game was against one of the new boys Middlesbrough, a game which ended 1-1 at Riverside. Stoke were solid in the game to earn point, Alvaro Negredo scored on his debut to be Boro’s first scorer this season.

The Potters responded well in the second half, Xherdan Shaqiri’s free kick drew them level to earn them a point in the game. Mark Hughes expects a repeat of last year’s fixture in this game as they won 2-0 at home last year.

Guardiola began his Premier League job as City’s manager with a win on the opening day, his side fought hard to grab all 3 points at home. Aguero’s spot kick gave City the lead but Jermaine Defoe equalised to keep the two teams level before McNair’s own goal gave City the win.

Pep will be delighted to have won his first Premier League game and also their Champions League game on Tuesday night. However, Aguero missed twice from the spot but that shouldn’t be a thing of worry for the new manager.

Stoke City vs Manchester City: Head to Head

In the 88 previous games played between this great teams, Potters have won 29 while Manchester City have 36.

At Britannia Stadium, the Potters have won double the number of matches City have won, with 22 wins as against City’s 11.

The Potters have done themselves well in their last 4 games, they won 2 and lost 2.

Stoke City vs Manchester City: Prediction

The hosts have plenty of injury concern with Jack Butland, Glen Johnson and Affelay all out, while Stephen Ireland and Marc Wilson are on long term injuries. But they will back themselves up against strong oppositions as Brittania stadium is not an easy place for visiting teams.

The visitors are slight favourites in this game considering the quality in their squad. The 5-0 win against Steaua Bucharest in the mid-week Champions League qualifying match will give them a lot of confidence.

But expect a tough match and it will be hard to separate the two teams at the final whistle.

Stoke City vs Manchester City: Bet Tips

1) Man City to score in both halves
2) Over 2.5 goals at 1.80.