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 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.
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.