Preview: City target a strong win in Mark Hughes reunion
The Welsh international managed the Etihad side for two seasons following which he was sacked and replaced by Roberto Mancini. The former Manchester United star also had stints at London clubs Fulham and Queens Park Rangers before replacing Tony Pulis at Stoke City.
Stoke under Hughes have had a bright start to the Premier League campaign having won two of the three matches they have played so far. A win on Saturday could take the Potters to the top four, a win for City on the other can possibly take them to the top of the table even if for a little while.
New signings Marko Arnautovic and Stephen Ireland could feature for the first time for stoke whereas Liverpool loanee Oussama Assaidi could also be in contention. City on the other hand have had a mixed start to the season. The Citizens are the league’s top scorers having scored eight goals so far. However a defeat at the hands of newly promoted side Cardiff City is a stern warning to the Blues who have to maintain consistency in order to get their hand on the league title this season.
Stoke boss Mark Hughes has the luxury of an injury free squad with Geoff Cameron and Kenwyne Jones likely to return from injuries. Although Charlie Adam and Glenn Whelan remain doubts they could make the cut for the important tie against Manchester City.
Manuel Pellegrini saw his three million pound signing Martin Demichelis pick up an injury before he could even feature for his new side. The Argentine has joined club captain Kompany on the injury list which also includes David Silva who picked up an injury while on international duty with Spain.
22 million Pound summer signing Stevan Jovetic could make his first competitive start for City after regaining fitness, whereas Micah Richards could also return from a spell on the sidelines.
City’s Spanish star Alvaro Negredo is yet to start a match for his new side despite of being his team’s joint top scorer with Yaya Toure. The former Sevilla man has put up impressive displays for his new employees and his antics could earn him his first start for Manchester City.
After being relieved of his duties, Hughes has not managed a single victory over his former employees having lost three of the four matches he has played against them. Ironically Stokes’ last victory over Manchester City came back in 2009 when Hughes was incharge of the Blues.
Where to watch the match – live stream, start time, TV channels, Live Scores
Watch Stoke vs Manchester City live on Saturday, September 14, 2013:
In USA at 10:00 ET on Premier League Extra Time, NBC Sports Live Extra, DirecTV, TalkSport Radio
Fans in other parts of the world can watch the match live on their local channels. Those in Australia can watch the match live on TalkSport Radio whereas fans in the Canada can watch the match live on Sportsnet Ontario / East / West / Pacific.
For complete details of match listings and live scores, visit the Stoke vs Manchester City match page.
