The Premier League is finally back after the international break. Stoke City are facing a daunting task as they are scheduled to travel to Etihad Stadium to face an in-form Manchester City. Despite an indifferent start to this season, the Potters could be pretty unpredictable and Pep Guardiola’s side could face the heat.
Mark Hughes’ side is likely to pose a tricky challenge to the Sky Blues given their superb run against the big teams. They have got the better of Arsenal by edging the Gunners 1-0 and also snatched points against high flying Manchester United.
So Man City will have to be a little cautious against their former manager.
Predicted 3-4-2-1 Stoke City Starting Lineup Against Manchester City
Defence
Jack Butland’s magnificent form for the Three Lions against Lithuania would boost his confidence before this high octane game. The 24-year-old has remained on the good books of Hughes and has been a regular for the Potters this season.
His outrageous form in the Stoke goal could inspire the whole side to put a much better performance in this high octane match.
Stoke does have one of the best defensive lineups among the Premier League clubs but the absence of Ryan Shawcross and Bruno Martins Indi could prove to be very costly. New signing Kevin Wimmer will have the responsibility to beef up the defence in the absence of the two maestros.
Kurt Zouma and Geoff Cameron will be alongside him to keep the City attackers at bay.
Midfield
Mame Diouf has been pretty influential in his new role as Hughes has been using him in a more attacking right wingback position.
Joe Allen is likely to miss this game due to an injury and Charlie Adam should come into the side. Darren Fletcher will try to add more tenacity to the midfield by bringing his invaluable experience to the game.
Eric Pieters will be in the left wingback role and will have to deal with the threat of Kevin De Bruyne.
Attack
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting has settled well at the BET365 Stadium and will be in the thick of things. Xherdan Shaqiri is always a treat to watch and will try to pile more misery on the Sky Blues.
The Swiss international has been struggling to get into the rhythm but played a very pivotal role in the last few matches which should pave the way. Jese will lead the line for the Potters.
