Manchester City vs. Stoke, Premier League: Team News, Preview, Predictions

The international break is thankfully over, so it’s time to watch Manchester City again. It’s been very fun watching the Blues play this season, and they’ve been the best team in England both in the table and in terms of performances.

Pep Guardiola seems to have figured out the Premier League after a season to learn about it, and the team is clearly playing the way he wants. The win against Chelsea two weeks ago was a strong statement of intent from the team, and everyone is impressed with Pep and the players.

After such a good victory, it’s important to keep the momentum going and this weekend City have a good opportunity to do so: Stoke City come to the Etihad with only two wins in their first seven matches. It’s important to note that the Potters have taken points from Arsenal and Manchester United this season, so this will not be easy.

Still, City should be considered favorites to stay unbeaten and on top of the league. Can they do it? We’ll find out.

MATCH INFO, TV/STREAMING

Date/Time: Saturday, October 14, 2017, 3pm (UK & Nigeria), 10am ET, 7am PT (USA), 7:30am IST (India)

Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England

Television: Not Televised (UK & USA), SuperSport 5 (Nigeria), Sportsnet (Canada), Star Sports Select 2 (India)

Online streaming: NBC Sports Gold (USA)

(Listings via LiveSoccerTV)

TEAM NEWS

Apart from Vincent Kompany and the long-term problem for Benjamin Mendy, things look pretty good for City in terms of health. There were no issues during the international break, and Pep will be able to select his best possible team on Saturday. Sergio Agüero is back in training following his car crash two weeks ago and will be available for selection, but the most likely option is having Agüero on the bench so he’s ready for Napoli on Tuesday.

Fabian Delph withdrew from the England squad through injury, but is now fully fit and available. He might be rested for Napoli, though, and if that happens Danilo Luiz will start at left-back. We shouldn’t see many changes to the team that won at Chelsea a fortnight ago, though this is Pep and it’s impossible to know what he’s thinking for each game.

POSSIBLE LINEUPS

Manchester City (4-3-3)

Éderson; Walker, Stones, Otamendi, Danilo; De Bruyne, Fernandinho, Silva; Sterling, Jesus, Sané

Stoke City (3-4-3)

Butland; Zouma, Cameron, Wimmer; Diouf, Fletcher, Adam, Pieters; Shaqiri, Berahino, Choupo-Moting

PREDICTION

This will not be easy, but City will find a way to get the win: 3-1 to the Blues.