Official StokeMAD Match preview:- Manchester City v Stoke

Last updated : 12 February 2010 By Dan Buxton

The Potters travel to Manchester City this Saturday teatime in a game that sees two sides who are in good form of late and both looking to progress to the final eight of the competition.

Stoke sit 12th in the Premier League and will be confident that they can secure another season of top flight football. Manchester City are flying in the Premier League but will have to juggle the craving of silverware with the need for a top four finish to help attract the players they can afford.

Stoke have a decent away record this season and have already beaten Tottenham whilst only losing five times. Manchester City have been sensational at home and have won the last six home games, including the league game versus the Potters.

In the 47 matches between these sides at Manchester City, the Potters have won 7, the hosts 29 and eleven have been drawn. This season when the pair clashed at Eastlands the game ended 2-0 to the Citizens. Five FA Cup ties have seen three Man City wins and 2 Stoke wins, all without the need of a replay. Overall Stoke have 34 wins to Man City's 40.

The referee is Mark Clattenburg. He took charge as Stoke beat Fulham 3-2 and alo in the 1-1 away draw at Bolton and 2-0 loss at Arsenal. He has refereed Man City twice this season, a 3-3 away draw with Bolton and a 4-2 home win over Arsenal

The Met Office report that there will be light rain, temperatures of 4 degrees celsius very good visibility and a 7mph wind.

Ryan Shawcross will be making his 100th appearance for Stoke if, as expected, he is selected.

Prediction: Stoke attack in a thrilling game that swings this way and that before ending in a high scoring draw that neither manager wants