After scoring a narrow win against Norwich at the weekend, Manchester City will be keen to add another three points to their kitty when they take on a Stoke side capable of beating any team in the league.
City seven points behind Manchester United in the English Premier League table, and cannot afford to drop any points. Stoke, on the other hand, are one of the form teams in the league, and currently sit eighth on 29 points.
"This is a bonus game for us," Stoke manager Tony Pulis said. "We will need a hell of a lot to go for us if we are to get a result from this match.
"Everybody knows it's going to be a tough, tough game with all the resources that make them one of the top clubs in Europe. But we'll go there with the same spirit and commitment which we have shown throughout this run and really give it a go.
"It's a fantastic opportunity to go to a fantastic stadium and pit ourselves against a team full of fabulous players
"Five points from three matches over Christmas has been a great return when you consider that we've been to Tottenham and then had two tough home matches against Liverpool and Southampton."
Stoke are known for their physical approach and Manchester City midfielder Javi Garcia is looking forward to beating them at their own game.
"Maybe I enjoy the physical games more because it suits my style," he told the club's official website. "I need to be physically at my best for games such as this and so does the rest of the team. Stoke can be a match for anyone so you have to be strong for challenges such as this."
The champions will be without Samir Nasri, who has been suspended for three games after picking up a red card in the 4-3 win over Norwich. Aleksandar Kolarov and Maicon are also ruled out, along with Mario Balotelli.
Stoke will welcome back Ryan Shawcross and Geoff Cameron, after the duo missed the last match through suspension.
To watch Manchester City vs Stoke Live Stream, click here.
Expected lineups: Manchester City: Hart; Zabaleta, Kompany, Nastasic, Clichy; Barry, Toure, Milner, Silva; Aguero, Dzeko.
Stoke: Begovic; Cameron, Huth, Shawcross, Wilkinson; Kightly, Whelan, Nzonzi, Etherington; Walters, Jones.
Prediction: 2-0 to City
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