Sergio Aguero starts on the bench today as Pep Guardiola names the same starting XI that beat Chelsea 1-0 at fortnight ago.

Starting XI

Ederson, Walker, Otamendi, Stones, Delph, Fernandinho, De Bruyne, Silva (c), Sterling, Sane, Jesus

Subs: Bravo, Bernardo, Aguero, Yaya Toure, Danilo, Mangala, Gundogan

Probable tactics

Hard to see past the attacking formation that served the Blues so well last time out and in several games this season.

So, expect a 4-1-4-1 (type) formation, with width and fluidity.

Stoke are likely to set up a defensive shield in a bid to repeat last season’s result at the Etihad.

Could today be the day?

Though he starts on the bench, could today be the day Sergio equals or betters Eric Brook’s record?

If he sees any minutes, it will be interesting to see what happens, though the fact he’s fit enough to be part of the matchday squad given what happened a fortnight ago, is more than enough for most City fans.

With three home games to come after today, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he achieved the feat within the next fortnight.

De Bruyne centenary

Kevin De Bruyne makes his 100th appearance for City this afternoon.

The Belgian averages one goal every four games during his time with the Blues and has scored a goal in each of his last two games.

He will look to cap his centenary in style against the Potters, but knowing KDB, a win for City will be more than suffice.

Potters yet to get going?

Stoke have had a couple of flashes of what they are capable of this season, drawing 2-2 with Manchester United and beating Arsenal 1-0 – but both games were at the Britannia Stadium.

On the road, they have been less impressive. Defeats at Newcastle, Everton and Bristol City (Carabao Cup) plus a point at West Brom, is hardly the form of a side aspiring for a top eight finish this season.

However, Stoke secured a 0-0 draw at the Etihad only last March, suggesting they will try and replicate that stoic defensive performance against the Blues this afternoon.

Stoke line-up

 

Stats and facts

In the past six games against the Potters, it’s been boom or bust for City who have scored four goals in three of the meetings, and none in the other three!

City will look to continue two impressive records this afternoon having gone 19 games unbeaten at the Etihad in all competitions and 15 games unbeaten in the Premier League.

The Potters haven’t beaten a team who started the day as league leaders since 1972 – losing 15 and drawing one of the 16 occasions this has happened.