Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City have made a perfect start to the new season, with victories over Newcastle United and Liverpool ensuring they're joint-top of the table heading into week three. They welcome Stoke City to the Britannia Stadium on Saturday, with Mark Hughes' side still looking for their first win of the season after a narrow defeat to Aston Villa and a draw with Hull City.
Manchester City vs. Stoke City: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Manchester City should maintain their perfect start to the Premier League season with a win over Stoke on Saturday.
Key player - Sergio Agüero (Manchester City)
Sergio Agüero hit the back of the net almost immediately after coming on in City’s impressive win over Liverpool on Monday. He’s quite possibly the best striker in the Premier League at present, combining tremendous pace and mobility with deadly finishing. If Stoke give the Argentine any sniff of Asmir Begović‘s goal on Saturday, they’ll probably pay a heavy price.
Key matchup - Manchester City's wide threat vs. Stoke's defensive structure
Manchester City are unconventional in their tactical approach in that manager Manuel Pellegrini prefers to use a 4-4-2 formation with very narrow wide midfielders. Both David Silva and Samir Nasri excel when they're able to drift inside and slip the ball through to better-placed teammates, and create overloads in the middle of the field. That makes life difficult for opposition full-backs, who often don't know whether to mark them man-to-man or give them freedom to drift inside. Stoke must know exactly which plan they're taking, and execute it with precision.
Manchester City injuries and suspensions
Out: Álvaro Negredo (foot). In doubt: Edin Džeko (leg).
Stoke City injuries and suspensions
Out: Stephen Ireland (chest). In doubt: Bojan (ribs), Phil Bardsley (knee).
Manchester City will be without striker Álvaro Negredo with a broken foot, while Edin Džeko is in doubt after he limped off during the win over Liverpool. Former Citizens man Stephen Ireland will miss the game for Stoke with a chest injury, while Bojan and Phil Bardsley both face late fitness tests.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 3 p.m. local, 10 a.m. ET
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England
TV: NBCSN, Mun2 (U.S.), TSN4 (Canada)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S. - English), Deportes Telemundo En Vivo (U.S. - Spanish), TSN Go (Canada)
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