Stoke City have hit a purple patch of form, and are currently on a run of three consecutive victories. The wins over Birmingham City, Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion mark their best run in the Premier League to date.
The positive form is all the more significant when one takes a look slightly further into the past, as the three victories come on the back of five consecutive defeats in all competitions.
The win over Birmingham came in an exciting manner for the neutrals, as the Potters surrendered a two-goal lead only for Dean Whitehead to score late on and secure the three points. Liverpool came to visit the Britannia Stadium on a solid unbeaten run of six games in all competitions, and fall they did to a 2-0 result.
And if that wasn’t enough, Tony Pulis’ men travelled away from home to the Hawthorns and heaped more woe on a West Bromwich Albion side that have failed to register a victory for some time now.
Add to all this the fact that Roberto Mancini’s men lost at the Britannia Stadium last month - in a League Cup encounter - and it’s easy to understand why confidence will not be a problem for the home side.
City looking for momentum
The Eastlands club haven’t lost any of their last four games, but have been subject to a fair amount of criticism of late.
A 2-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion was a comeback after having lost three games on the trot, which saw manager Roberto Mancini’s future become the subject of intense speculation. And it also gave rise to the notion that the club rely heavily on skipper Carlos Tevez, who has been at the forefront of the team’s rise in standing this term.
After beating the Baggies, City were unable to find the back of the net against arch-rivals Manchester United and Birmingham City, which led to former Inter boss taking further criticism; particularly for the tactics he employed during the game against Sir Alex Ferguson’s charges.
However, all that was needed was a trip to Craven Cottage and a thumping 4-1 victory to silence the critics’ tongues. But a similar style of free flowing attacking football – and perhaps a similar result - will have to be in the offing if City are to redeem themselves in the eyes of their naysayers.
But Stoke are no pushovers, particularly in their own backyard. That they have won four of their home games so far - with only Chelsea and United having won more - is evidence of the task that lies ahead for the visitors.
A faltering performance may see Mancini come under the scanner all over again, but the right result should see him breathe easily for the moment.
TEAM NEWS
Stoke City
Mamady Sidibe (calf) is sidelined for this encounter, while Salif Diao has been reported to be a doubt.
There appears to be some positive news for the Potters ahead of this fixture, as Jermaine Pennant (hamstring) has a chance of recovering in time. The former Liverpool midfielder sustained an injury during the recent 3-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion, as the club feared that he was set for a lengthy lay-off.
Tuncay is expected to be the replacement if Pennant doesn’t return to fitness in time.
Possible starting XI: Begovic; Wilkinson, Huth, Shawcross, Collins; Pennant, Whitehead, Delap, Etherington; Jones, Fuller.
Manchester City
Jerome Boateng, Joleon Lescott and Micah Richards are expected to be fit for this encounter after falling prey to minor injuries during their international outings. But none of the three players will likely make the starting line-up.
Gareth Barry (ankle) is expected to miss out, while Pablo Zabaleta is suspended. However, Mario Balotelli returns after serving a three-match ban.
Possible starting XI: Hart; Boyata, K Toure, Kompany, Kolarov; Yaya Toure, De Jong, Milner; Silva, Balotelli, Tevez.
Prediction
Stoke are strong at home and are on a strong run, and it appears as though they could hold City to a stalemate.
Stoke 1-1 Man City 
