Manchester City v Stoke preview: Sergio Aguero 'could' start after car crash recovery

Sergio Aguero "could" start for Man City against Stoke on Saturday, Pep Guardiola has confirmed, as the two sides meet in the Premier League.

The star striker broke a rib during a car crash in Amsterdam two weeks ago, and did not feature in the 1-0 win against Chelsea on September 30.

But speaking on Friday, Guardiola said that Aguero may feature in some capacity on Saturday, telling a pre-match press conference: "He has had his first training session and he did quite well. Maybe he could be back for tomorrow."

City have won their last two home games in the Premier League each by a 5-0 scoreline - the only other Premier League side to record three consecutive home wins each by a five or more goal margin were Chelsea in 2010 under Carlo Ancelotti.

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For Stoke, they have an all-or-nothing approach to their games against Man City, having either kept a clean sheet (3) or conceded exactly four goals (3) in each of their last six league meetings.

Team news

Although Aguero could return, captain Vincent Kompany is still out with a calf injury but City have no fresh injuries following the international break.

Left-back Benjamin Mendy (knee) is a long-term casualty and will not feature at the Etihad on Saturday.

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Stoke will be without midfielder Joe Allen this weekend after he concussion following a blow to the head while on international duty this week.

Defensive duo Ryan Shawcross (back) and Bruno Martins Indi (groin) will also miss out while Stephen Ireland is continuing his rehabilitation from the broken leg he suffered in May 2016.

But Jese Rodriguez, who missed the win over Southampton before the international break due to compassionate reasons, will return to the squad.

Opta stats

Manchester City have kept a shutout in eight of their nine Premier League home matches against Stoke (W7 D1 L1) - only against Aston Villa (9) have they kept more clean sheets on home soil.

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The Citizens are currently unbeaten in their last 19 home games in all competitions (W13 D6 L0), their longest run without defeat since January 2012 (30 games).

Stoke have lost 15 of their last 16 away top-flight matches (D1) against teams who've started that day in top spot - their last away win against a side top of the league came in April 1972 against Manchester City under Tony Waddington.

Raheem Sterling has scored five goals in his last five Premier League appearances. The England winger has scored his five goals from just seven shots on target in the Premier League in 2017-18.

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Paul Merson's prediction

Man City look very good going forward and should win this game quite comfortably. There's always a chance in football but I don't expect Stoke to get anything. Man City have got too much firepower.

PAUL PREDICTS: 3-0 (6/1 with Sky Bet)

Betting

Manchester City are Sky Bet's bankers of the weekend at just 1/7 for the victory with Stoke up against odds of 16/1 to win and 7/1 just to secure a draw. Pep Guardiola's gluttony of attacking options means that he is able to call upon a striker with the perceived equal threat to Sergio Aguero, with Gabriel Jesus also just 4/9 to net anything and 9/4 to break the deadlock. Eric Choupo Moting is considered the visitors' main threat at 11/1 to score first.

Man City v Stoke is included in this weekend's bonus Super 6 round, with £250,000 up for grabs again. Enter your predictions for free here.

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