Dugout Discussion – Man City vs Stoke

Manchester City’s home tie against Stoke City kicks off a Gameweek in which six teams are facing blank. In their pursuit of a Champions League berth, the Sky Blues can ill afford to drop further points following their draw against Newcastle United. As for the Potters, one win in six suggests that they’re lacking the motivation to finish the campaign strongly.

Despite mustering four fewer attempts (48) than Norwich City (52) across their previous four outings, Man City profited from the best shot-conversion rate (20.8%) of any team. In addition, only Newcastle United posted a superior shot accuracy (51.4% compared to 47.9%). Manuel Pellegrini’s men kept it tight at the other end of the pitch, conceding the joint-second-fewest goals (two) and shots inside the box (21), and just four big chances.

Considering they charted joint-second-bottom for shots inside the box (19) over their last four match-ups, Stoke did well to place sixth for big chances (eight). The Potters’ rearguard didn’t fare so well, however, shipping the most goals (11), fifth-most shots inside the box (35) and the third-most big chances (eight). Investors in Man City’s attack will also be heartened in the knowledge that only two teams have surrendered more big chances in road ties (36) than Mark Hughes’ men.