Official StokeMAD Match preview: Stoke v Manchester City

Last updated : 15 February 2010 By Dan Buxton

The Potters host Manchester City this Tuesday evening in a game that sees two sides who are in good form of late and both looking to secure three points and a psychological egde ahead of teh cup replay next Wednesday.

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 home record this season and have already beaten nine sides whilst only losing three times. Manchester City have been sensational at home but struggled away and only have three away wins all season.

In the 45 matches between these sides at Stoke, the Potters have won 27, the visitors 11 and seven have been drawn. Last season when the pair clashed at The Brit the game ended 1-0 to the Potters. Overall Stoke have 34 wins to Man City's 40.

The referee is Alan Wiley. The Staffordshire official last took charge of Stoke in the 3-2 defeat to Everton last September. He has refereed Man City twice this season, a 3-0 away defeat against Spurs and a 1-1 away draw with Wigan.

The Met Office report that there will be clear skies, temperatures of 1 degrees celsius, average visibility and a 6 mph wind.

Prediction: City take advantage of Mancini's tired men and Beattie comes off the bench to net a late winner