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5 Key Matchups For Stoke City vs. Manchester City In EPL Week 25

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5 Key Matchups For Stoke City vs. Manchester City

Manuel Pellegrini and Mark Hughes watch Manchester City vs Stoke City
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Manchester City have never truly hit top form this season, but they're reaching a stage where they are going to have to if they want to have any hopes of retaining their title ahead of Chelsea. Stoke City have proved a difficult matchup for City in recent years, and that will be no different in this contest. Stoke are unbeaten in their last three games and these five matchups will be crucial to that record either extending or ending against City.

5. David Silva vs. Phil Bardsley

Manchester City playmaker David Silva
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5. David Silva vs. Phil Bardsley

Manchester City playmaker David Silva
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City need David Silva at his creative best if they are to reach their peak championship winning form once again. When Silva is at his best, then City's best usually follows closely behind which is generally too much for most teams. Phil Bardsley is a no-nonsense type of defender, and although necessary in this matchup, that approach must also be tamed slightly against the world-class Silva.

4. Victor Moses vs. Pablo Zabaleta

Stoke City winger Victor Moses
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4. Victor Moses vs. Pablo Zabaleta

Stoke City winger Victor Moses
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Victor Moses has intermittently impressed in a Stoke shirt this season, and the winger will be looking to do so again against City. Moses will likely come up against Pablo Zabaleta and the right-back, having not met his usual high standards this season, could be in for a difficult game against the Nigerian.

3. Samir Nasri vs. Marc Wilson

Samir Nasri playing for Manchester City
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3. Samir Nasri vs. Marc Wilson

Samir Nasri playing for Manchester City
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Samir Nasri has been one of City's better players throughout this season despite the injury problems he has endured. The Frenchman is only just returning from injury now and should get better and better with each game. That's bad news for Marc Wilson who needs to avoid giving Nasri any space in the game and try to rush the playmaker into making bad decisions when in possession.

2. Vincent Kompany vs. Jonathan Walters

Vincent Kompany playing against Stoke City
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2. Vincent Kompany vs. Jonathan Walters

Vincent Kompany playing against Stoke City
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Jonathan Walters scored a hat-trick for Stoke against Queens Park Rangers two games ago, but he was much less effective last time out against Newcastle United. Walters will now come up against another City player who has not been anywhere near his best so far this season in Vincent Kompany. Walters would be well advised to rush the City captain and give him no respect if he hopes to profit from the Belgian's indifferent form.

1. Sergio Aguero vs. Asmir Begovic

Sergio Aguero playing against Stoke City
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1. Sergio Aguero vs. Asmir Begovic

Sergio Aguero playing against Stoke City
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Just when City need him most, it would not be a surprise to see Sergio Aguero come to the forefront once again. An Aguero at his absolute best is not a player the Stoke defenders are going to have much chance against, and the Potters' goalkeeper, Asmir Begovic, could be the home team's best hope if indeed a fired up Aguero shows up ready to play.

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