Verdict: Manchester City to win
Best Odds: 1/7
Bookmaker: Bet365
With the Premier League returning after the international break, all of England’s top teams will be desperate to get back to winning ways as soon as possible. Manchester City are the clear favourites for this one, but Stoke City are no pushovers.
Manchester City
Manchester City have been in outstanding form this season as they have sat at the top of the Premier League table for a number of weeks. Pep Guardiola’s side have brushed all before them aside, with Chelsea the last team to feel their wrath, as Antonio Conte’s men were absolutely dominated by their Manchester opponents. Five wins in their last five, unbeaten and 22 goals in eight games has seen them to the top of the table with 19 points, although they are ahead of Manchester United only because they have scored one more goal. Guardiola seems to have finally been able to implement his philosophy on the side following an underwhelming campaign last time around. His signings have also helped to take the team to the next level, with City now looking like a world class outfit.
Team News
Vincent Kompany (calf) and Benjamin Mendy (ACL) will not feature in the game, although Sergio Aguero faces a late fitness test, but seems unlikely to play following his involvement in a car crash.
Stoke City
Stoke City return to Premier League action looking to make a slightly more positive start following the international break. In their last five games, they have managed just one win, along with two draws and two defeats, leaving them in 13th in the table with eight points. Pressure has begun to mount on Mark Hughes following their poor run of form and he will be desperate to inflict a first defeat of the season on his former club. What bodes well for Stoke is the fact that they were the first side to take points off Manchester United in a 2-2 draw, meaning their record against the Manchester clubs is better than most sides going into the showdown. However, City have looked very good this season and it will take something special from Stoke to stop them from recording their seventh win of the season.
Team News
Ryan Shawcross remains out, while Joe Allen faces a late fitness test to take part in the game following an injury he picked up on international duty with Wales.
Key Factors to consider
Manchester City are yet to lose this season in the Premier League (six wins, one draw).
City have scored 22 goals in seven games.
Stoke are averaging just over a point a game (eight points in seven games).
Mark Hughes’ side are the only team to take points off Manchester United this campaign.
Stoke have only scored seven goals, while City have conceded just twice this season.
Conclusion
Although Stoke City did halt Manchester United earlier in the season, it was with a huge performance that they managed it, and City are likely to give them no room to breathe in this one. Guardiola’s men have been in unbelievable form this campaign, and the smart money says they will pick up yet another three points this weekend.
Verdict: Manchester City win
Best Odds: 1/7
Bookmaker: Bet365
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
