26th december 2009: Manchester City - Stoke City

MANCHESTER CITY

New manager Roberto Mancini takes charge of Manchester City for the first time. City are aiming for a third successive home win while Stoke City have taken one point from a possible nine.

Hughes left the team 6th, 7 point far from the 4th position, losing 2 times and with 33 goals scored.

Midfielder Nigel de Jong returns from a one-match suspension to face Stoke on Boxing Day.

Defenders Nedum Onuoha (calf) and Joleon Lescott (knee) are definitely out while striker Emmanuel Adebayor and winger Shaun Wright-Phillips (both ankle) and Micah Richards (knee) are all doubtful.

STOKE CITY

Not a lucky game the last one against Aston Villa "The disallowed goal was a disappointing decision but we have to take it on the chin and hope next week we might get one go for us. We played well and can take a lot from the way we played and especially the chances we created." - Tony Pulis.

Stoke are expected to recall defender Robert Huth for the trip to Manchester City following a one-match suspension which ruled him out of last weekend's defeat at Aston Villa.

Huth's return gives manager Tony Pulis decisions to make at the back, with Danny Collins having returned to the side in the German's absence at Villa Park.

The Potteries club have a doubt, however, over defender Ryan Shawcross, who is struggling with a groin injury.

HEAD TO HEAD

26/10/2008 Man City 3-0 Stoke

VERDICT

Stoke failed to win the last 4 games and managed to score only in a game against Wigan. They also won only 1 time away from home while Man City is still unbeaten at home scoring 20 goals in 8 games.

Go for Manchester to win here