Buoyed by last week’s victory over Fulham, Roberto Mancini will be looking for our third consecutive away victory in a potentially tricky fixture against the Potters. Following an FA Cup defeat and hard fought draw in trips to the Britannia Stadium last season, the City manager will be well aware of the dangers posed by Tony Pulis’ side.
It’s no surprise to hear that Mancini has had the squad working on the defending of set pieces in training this week. With Pablo Zabaleta suspended either Jerome Boateng will resume at right back, or Micah Richards if the German isn’t fully fit.
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A failure to take chances saw City crash out of the FA Cup in extra-time, with the harsh dismissal of Emmanuel Adebayor by card happy Steve Bennett in the second period giving Stoke the advantage. The pressure will be turned up on Roberto Mancini even though he can hardly be blamed for the squandering of numerous chances.
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Given – A critical error in coming out and failing to connect for the second goal. Everything else was ok, but in that moment our chance went. 5
Richards – A whole-hearted display where it was good to see him getting forward after the sending off. Unfortunately Micah’s ability in the final third didn’t match the enthusiasm to get there. 6
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For anyone who isn’t aware, tonight’s FA Cup replay is being shown live on:
http://www.itv.com/sport/football/facup/livevideo/default.html
Teams:
Stoke: Sorensen, Whitehead, Shawcross, Huth, Collins, Lawrence, Whelan, Diao, Delap, Sidibe, Fuller.
Subs: Simonsen, Beattie, Kitson, Pugh, Amdy Faye, Sanli, Davies.
Man City: Given, Richards, Onuoha, Lescott, Bridge, Zabaleta, Ireland, Kompany, Barry, Bellamy, Adebayor.
Subs: Taylor, Wright-Phillips, Santa Cruz, Garrido, Sylvinho, De Jong, Boyata.
Referee: Steve Bennett (Kent)