Stoke vs. Manchester City: Team News, Preview and TV Info

Manchester City travel to Stoke City on Wednesday, looking to end a run of five games without a win in all competitions, their worst run since 2009 when Mark Hughes, the Potters manager, was in charge. Current manager Manuel Pellegrini, perhaps for the first time, is facing question marks over his future.

Hughes was disgruntled at the manner of his exit from the Etihad, and he would love nothing more than to do the double over his former employers. Stoke won 1-0 at the Etihad back in August after a smash-and-grab win secured by Mame Biram Diouf’s breakaway goal.

Stoke have been in decent form of late, winning three of their last four, and they find themselves 10th in the table. It's all set up to be a tough trip for the champions.

Form Guide (Last 5 Results of Both Teams)

Stoke

Newcastle 1-1 Stoke
Stoke 3-1 QPR
Rochdale 1-4 Stoke (FA Cup)
Leicester 0-1 Stoke
Arsenal 3-0 Stoke

City

City 1-1 Hull
Chelsea 1-1 City
City 0-2 Middlesbrough (FA Cup)
City 0-2 Arsenal
Everton 1-1 City

Predicted Formations

Stoke captain and defender Ryan Shawcross remains unavailable with a groin injury, leaving Philipp Wollscheid to deputise once again. Former City man Stephen Ireland faces a late fitness test on a hamstring problem but could play, per Sky Sports.

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Pellegrini opted for a 4-4-2 on Saturday in the draw against Hull City, and he may be tempted to stick with it given it's likely to be his first-choice formation again when Wilfried Bony is available for selection.

The form of defender Vincent Kompany is a worry, but he will keep his place in the side, with Eliaquim Mangala remaining on the sideline.

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Players to Watch

Stoke: Jon Walters

Stoke striker Jonathan Walters may lack a certain amount of skill and technique, but his power and willingness to run and harry defenders makes him an asset to his side.

He can play with his back to goal, holding the ball up and allowing Stoke's midfielders to join the attack and cause problems from deep. City, and Kompany in particular, need to make sure his threat is nullified.

Michael Regan/Getty Images

City: Sergio Aguero

After sustaining a knee injury in December and only recently returning, striker Sergio Aguero is yet to return to the form he showed earlier in the season. He's yet to score in the five games since his return, with a heavy touch and tentative movement holding him back.

He can, however, move up the gears at any time, and he must surely now be feeling match fit again after a run of games. It would hardly be a surprise if the old Aguero returned on Wednesday and gave the Stoke defence the runaround.

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Key Battle: Steven N'Zonzi vs. David Silva

David Silva may well start on the left, but rarely does he stay there, instead drifting inside to try and cause havoc from a central position. 

Steven N'Zonzi, whose improvement since his Blackburn days has been a somewhat underreported success, is Stoke's most disciplined defensive-minded midfielder, and he may well be given instructions to try and limit Silva's influence.

If Silva is allowed space and freedom, he can inflict damage on a large scale, with his passing the most effective aspect of his game. He is City's creative hub and the most gifted player they possess, but N'Zonzi is a player who thrives on stopping others. It could be fascinating battle.

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Odds (via Odds Shark)

Stoke: 9-2

City: 8-11

Draw: 3-1

TV Listing

The game's highlights will be on BBC's Match of the Day at 10:45 p.m. and Sky Sports' Match Choice at 10 p.m.

Rob Pollard is Bleacher Report's lead Manchester City correspondent and will be following the club from a Manchester base throughout the 2014-15 season. All quotes are obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter: @RobPollard.