EPL stats preview: Matchweek 4 – Stoke City vs Manchester City

Pablo Zabaleta of Manchester City tackles Matthew Etherington of Stoke City during the FA Cup match at Britannia Stadium on January 26, 2013

Mark Hughes’ Stoke side is currently fifth in the Premier League and will look to continue their good start of the season when they host Manchester City on Saturday. Mark Hughes has never defeated Manchester City in previous three meeting since he was sacked in December 2009.

Manchester City, meanwhile, are adapting to their new coach. City have scored eight goals in three matches, more than any other club this season, but a defeat to newly promoted Cardiff last month showed they are yet to settle with Manuel Pellegrini’s style of management.

Manchester City will be without their star player Davis Silva who suffered a thigh injury while playing for Spain. The injury sees David Silva join new signing Martin Demichelis and captain Vincent Kompany on the treatment table.

Let’s have a look at what stats have to offer for Stoke City vs Manchester City

- Manchester City are undefeated in their last 12 matches against Stoke in all competitions.

- Manchester City have kept a clean sheet in 5 of their last 7 matches against Stoke in all competitions.

- Manchester City have scored at least 2 goals in their last 5 matches in the Premier League.

- Manchester City have not lost back-to-back Premier League away games since March-April 2011, when they were beaten at Chelsea and Liverpool.

- The last four league fixtures between the two sides on Stoke turf have ended 1-1.

- Stoke City have never lost a Premier League game at home to Manchester City. In the five matches between the two home side have won once, while drawing four.

- Mark Hughes has already picked up more points in three league games as Stoke boss – six – than he did during his 12 matches as QPR manager last season – four.