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Combined Best XI: Manchester City vs. Stoke City

By Larry Henry

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - AUGUST 20: Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City looks on during the Premier League match between Stoke City and Manchester City at Bet365 Stadium on August 20, 2016 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - AUGUST 20: Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City looks on during the Premier League match between Stoke City and Manchester City at Bet365 Stadium on August 20, 2016 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /
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STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND – AUGUST 20: Mame Diouf of Stoke City shoots at goal under pressure from John Stones of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Stoke City and Manchester City on August 20, 2016 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Getty Images)
STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND – AUGUST 20: Mame Diouf of Stoke City shoots at goal under pressure from John Stones of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Stoke City and Manchester City on August 20, 2016 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Getty Images) /


Following a 2-0 road victory at Sunderland on Sunday, Manchester City will look to keep their strong run going with a win over Stoke City on Wednesday. 

Pep Guardiola‘s team looked very comfortable in their victory on Sunday at the Stadium of Light, and now turn their attentions to a tougher opponent. Stoke City defeated Middlesbrough last weekend 2-0 thanks to two goals from Marko Arnautovic. Mark Hughes‘ side looks to climb their way up the league table for a top-half finish.

Pep Guardiola told BBC Sport that it’s a pity the distance with leaders Chelsea is so big, despite City’s great play of late. “It’s a pity that the distance between Chelsea [and Manchester City] is so big, but that’s true. We started the season with 10 games winning, but our game was not like today. I feel we are playing quite well and that’s why we are getting results. But now, of course, we are in a position when you arrive in March and April, every game if you win, you stay; if you lose, you are out.”

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Ahead of Wednesday evening’s showdown at the Etihad, we decided to create a combined best XI of the two sides. Players that made the list were based off their seasons as a whole, while their current form was also considered as with their fitness.

March 4th 2017, bet365 Stadium, Stoke, England; EPL Premier League football, Stoke City versus Middlesbrough; Stoke goalkeeper Lee Grant makes a save (Photo by Tim Williams/Action Plus via Getty Images)
March 4th 2017, bet365 Stadium, Stoke, England; EPL Premier League football, Stoke City versus Middlesbrough; Stoke goalkeeper Lee Grant makes a save (Photo by Tim Williams/Action Plus via Getty Images) /

Goalkeeper – Lee Grant

Overall, the Stoke keeper has been a superb signing for Hughes season. With Jack Butland being injured long-term, the Potters brought Grant in from Derby County earlier this campaign. He is an experienced keeper who really hadn’t hand much of a career in the top-flight prior to this season. However, he has made a handful of saves this season with a good amount of those being important for Stoke as they try for a top-half finish.