Premier League preview and odds: Stoke vs Manchester City

Published on: 03/12/2015

Premier League preview and odds: Stoke vs Manchester City

December 5, 2015 12:45pm - Britannia Stadium

Premier League

The Premier League action kicks off at the Britannia Stadium this weekend where 12th-ranked Stoke City will host league leaders Manchester City in the Barclays Premier League.

Stoke stuck in the middle

Following their first defeat in four games last weekend, Stoke are still stuck in the lower half of the Premier League table. The Potters have been in top-four form over the last 10 games but that has not been enough to lift them into the top ten.

They come into this game on the back of a disappointing 0-2 defeat at struggling Sunderland in which they rarely looked threatening. This should come as no surprise from the team that has scored fewer league goals than any other in the current campaign. Stokes biggest asset has been their tight defence but even that was breached far too easily by Sam Allardyces men.

City back on top

Following a two-game winless blip, Manchester City regained their place at the top of the League thanks to a clinical 3-1 win over Southampton at the Etihad Stadium. The Saints were unbeaten on the road but provided little resistance to a City side inspired by midfielder Kevin de Bruyne. The Belgian chipped in with a goal and also provided two assists for Manuel Pellegrinis men.

The Citizens will be looking for their first away win since September when they make the trip south to Stoke at the Weekend. Their last two away games (Manchester united and Aston Villa ) both ended in goalless draws.

Team news

Stoke will have to make do without Peter Crouch and Peter Odemwingie, however, Marc Muniesa could return from injury.

Meanwhile, the Manchester side could welcome back the trio of Sergio Aguero, Joe Hart and Eliaquim Mangala. However, Jesus Navas, Fernando and Vincent Kompany are all out injured.

Recent form (League)

Stoke City: LWWDL

Manchester City: WLDWD

Betting odds and tips

Stoke have been in good form but a lack of goal scoring prowess leaves them vulnerable. City have not been great away from home recently but will still start the game as favourites. Much could depend on whether Sergio Aguero is fully fit for the away side. You can back the draw at 31/10 with Betfred.

Published on: 03/12/2015

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (03/12/2015 14:42:52) but are subject to change.