Premier League: Manchester City v Stoke match preview

A look ahead to this week's Premier League fixture at the Etihad Stadium

Asmir Begović (GETTY IMAGES)

Having recorded three wins from their past five games, defending Premier League champions Manchester City go into 2013 seven points behind leaders Manchester United.

Stoke, meanwhile, may prove to be frustrating opponents, having held City to 1-1 draws in their past two meetings. The Potters have also gone 10 Premier League games without a loss, after salvaging a 3-3 draw against struggling Southampton on Saturday.

However, the home side will be clear favourites, as they look to cut down United's advantage at the summit. Stoke have won just a single away game – with six draws and three losses – despite being the only side still unbeaten at home.

KICK-OFF: Tuesday, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS...

Stoke 1 (Crouch) Manchester City 1 (García), Premier League, September 2012

Stoke 1 (Crouch) Manchester City 1 (Y Touré), Premier League, March 2012

Manchester City 3 (Agüero 2, Johnson) Stoke 0, Premier League, December 2011

STATS...

Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begović has kept the most clean sheets in this season's Premier League: nine, compared to Joe Hart's seven.

With 42 yellow cards and three players seeing red, the Potters have the league's worst disciplinary record.

Six different Manchester City players have been sent off since the start of last season: Samir Nasri, James Milner, Vincent Kompany, Gareth Barry and Mario Balotelli (twice).

On Saturday, Edin Džeko became the third fastest player to score a brace in the opening five minutes of a Premier League game.

ODDS...

Manchester City to win: 1.3

Stoke to win: 14.5

Draw: 5.9

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.25pm