Stoke City vs. Manchester City: Date, Time, TV Info and Preview

Last time Stoke City and defending Manchester City met on the pitch, it was quite the entertaining match.

Both teams have since made improvements to their lineup with transfer moves and are set to renew a rivalry that will certainly become more competitive, beginning with their match on Saturday.

With seven points in three matches, Barclay’s Premier League champions Manchester City (2-1-0) currently sit in fourth place in the standings, alongside Albion and Swansea.

Stoke City (0-3-0) is further down in 12th place, following a 2-2 draw in its last outing on Sept. 1 against Wigan Athletic in Staffordshire.

The fans were treated to a delightful match on March 24, when Peter Crouch volleyed in a truly stunning goal in the 58’ minute to give the Potters an advantage over Man City. It was short-lived, however, as The Blues struck back with a Yaya Toure goal in the 76’ minute to earn a draw.

Manchester City hopes to win in Brittania Stadium for the first time since Stoke City joined the Premier League in 2008.

Where: Brittania Stadium, Staffordshire, England

When: Saturday, September 14, 9 a.m. EST

TV Info: BBC1 Match of the Day

Stoke City

English star Michael Own hopes to make his debut in a Manchester City uniform, though a thigh injury makes his availability uncertain.

According Fox Sports, Owens is putting to rest any doubts, as he ruled himself fit enough to play in this weekend’s match.

Following Manchester United’s release of Owens, Stoke signed the 32-year old to a one-year deal. While he is not happy with his touch, Owens said his health is progressing and that he looks forward to playing this weekend.

About Owens’ fitness, Stoke boss Tony Pulis said:

"From what the lads say, he has come back a lot fitter than what we thought he would. He needs a lot more work with the ball and being in small-sided games for his sharpness, but we are pleased with the way he has come back."

The striker’s debut with Stoke would prove to be a big boost, facing a team in Manchester City which has allowed five goals in its three matches without a clean sheet.

Steven Nzonzi and Maurice Edu may also make their first appearance for Stoke.

Manchester City

Manchester City has a high-profile newcomer of its own it will introduce into Saturday’s lineup. At least, that is the hope.

Inter Milan transfer Maicon, acquired just before the transfer window closed two weeks ago, is likely to play, as are fellow deadline-day signings Matija Nastasic and Javi Garcia.

Manager Robert Mancini said striker Sergio Aguero is a “maybe” to return to action on Saturday, according to ESPN.com, following a knee injury in August against Southampton.

Carlos Tevez may prove to be the most important player on the pitch, having scored four goals in six Premier League games against the Potters.

According to Goal.com, Jack Rodwell (knee), Pablo Zabaleta (hamstring) and Mario Balotelli (eye) have all been ruled out. However, ESPN reports say that Mancini has ruled Balotelli fit to play.