It’s the FA Cup fifth round and the Potters make the short trip to Eastlands for the late afternoon televised kick-off. Nearly 6,000 Stokies will make the short trip and it’s sure to be an electrifying match with Tony promising that he’s going to have all guns blazing
Vital Quotes:
Certainly Big Tone has set the tone for the tie with his comments to the media: ‘I am looking to pick a positive team and go there to have a right go.
‘I’m sure the last thing Roberto Mancini wants – and we all want – is a draw so it’s ‘gloves off’ because I think both sides will want a result one way or the other.’
Man City Team News:
Kolo Toure limped off at Bolton match with a knee injury but it expected to be fit.
Vincent Kompany is out with a groin strain so Toure is expected to partner Joleon Lescott in defence, while recent signing Adam Johnson is cup-tied.
Player to watch: Carlos Tevez
The former Red turned Blue has been on fire since making the short hop across the city and will cause us problems if we can’t close him down early on.
Stoke City Team News:
Abdoulaye Faye still doesn’t seem to be fully fit and Tony may decide to rest him again so he’s ready for the league match against Man City next Tuesday. Other than that, there are no reported fitness issues or suspensions with the manager ready ‘to have a go’ so there are questions marks over who he’ll start with, with Liam Lawrence and even James Beattie being touted around as possible starters.
Player to watch: Andy Wilkinson
The back row will be critical if the Potters are to progress in the Cup and Wilko’s defending seems to get stronger every game he plays
Match Facts & Stats
Ref Watch:
Mark Clattenburg
Next Fixtures:
Tuesday 16th February: Man City (home) kick-off: 7.45pm
Saturday 20th February: Portsmouth (away) kick-off: 5.30pm * live on ESPN
