Table topping Manchester City welcome Stoke City to the Etihad stadium looking to continue their remarkable vein of form. The Blues are yet to concede in the Premier League since late August and have steamrollered most of their opposition in recent weeks – scoring 22 goals in 7 games. Stoke have only picked up one point on the road this term (against West Brom) and will need to be at their defensive best to shut out City here.
English Premier League – Manchester City v Stoke City – Etihad Stadium
Saturday 14th October 2017
Kick-off: 15.00 GMT
Manchester City – Best Odds – 1/6 (Bet 365)
Stoke City – Best Odds – 18/1 (Boyle Sports)
Draw – Best Odds – 7/1 (Sporting Bet)
Manchester City
City’s start to the season has been well documented with Pep Guardiola’s men being flung admiration for their swash-buckling performances. For all their goals and attacking prowess, the form of John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi in central defence has been integral to City’s great start and they’ll be hoping for a quiet afternoon here. Kevin de Bruyne was the match winner at former club Chelsea last time out and he’d love to cap an amazing run of late, helping Belgium to the 2018 World Cup and being nominated on the Ballon D’Or shortlist.
Stoke City
Mark Hughes arrives at his former club with a wretched away record of late and his Potters would dearly love to put the brakes on City’s sparkling run of form. Despite drawing with Manchester United and beating Arsenal at home, Stoke currently sit in 13th place in the Premier League table and will be desperate to improve on their league position – despite having a tough fixture list so far this term. Peter Crouch has bagged 2 goals already in the Premier League this term and how the veteran England striker would love to roll back the clock at the Etihad.
Head to Head
Manchester City hold a dominant head to head lead over Stoke historically, notching up 49 victories to the Potters 37 with 25 draws taking place between the two sides. City won comfortably at the Bet 365 last season with 2 goals each for Aguero and Nolito in a 4-1 win but couldn’t find a way past Stoke at home in March – 0-0 draw.
Odds and Predictions
Manchester City have only conceded 1 goal at home in all competitions this season.
Both teams to score – NO – 10/11 with William Hill.
In the absence of Sergio Aguero, Gabriel Jesus will be leading the line for City.
The Brazilian to score anytime looks good value at 8/11 with 888 Sport.
City have scored in the first half in each of their last 2 Premier League home games
Man City to be leading at half time & full time looks a real possibility at 4/7 with Ladbrokes.
City have only conceded 2 Premier League goals this term.
Ederson to keep a clean sheet looks a strong punt at 5/6 with Bet 365.
Score Prediction
Man City 2 – 0 Stoke City – 15/2 with Bet 365.
Top Betting Tip
Stoke won’t make life easy but City should possess too much quality at the Etihad.
Manchester City to win and be leading after 30 minutes pays 2.22 with Ladbrokes.