Man City XI: Hart, Zabaleta, Otamendi, Mangala, Kolarov, Toure, Fernando, Jesus Navas, Iheanacho, Silva, Aguero
Stoke City XI: Given, Wollscheid, Shawcross, Muniesa, Cameron, Whelan, Imbula, Bardsley, Diouf, Joselu, Arnautovic
Man City v Stoke (12:45 BST)
Mark Lawrenson
Former Liverpool defender
"I was a bit surprised that Manchester City did not play better in their draw with Newcastle on Tuesday - I was expecting Manuel Pellegrini's side to kick on after beating Chelsea at the weekend.
"I think they will beat Stoke. They have to, really, because a top-four place is still far from guaranteed."
Man City v Stoke (12:45 BST)
Will Stoke's defence crumble again?
The Potters have conceded four goals in each of their last two games against Liverpool and Tottenham.
Yet Mark Hughes knows how to beat his old club. The former City boss has masterminded two wins in the last three league meetings between the clubs - including a superb 2-0 win at the Britannia Stadium in December.
Image source, Getty ImagesMan City v Stoke (12:45 BST)
Alistair Mann
MOTD commentator
"Ahead of one of the most important matches in their history, Manchester City can't afford to lose their league focus as the genuine possibility of finishing outside the top four still remains.
"With Real Madrid looming in the Champions League, only by securing 10 points from their final four games will they guarantee a return to Europe's coveted competition for when the Pep Guardiola era commences.
"A victory would open up a five-point gap over their rivals and City could do with the breathing space."
Man City v Stoke (12:45 BST)
Image source, @MCFCMan City v Stoke (12:45 BST)
Bad news for the visitors.
BBC Radio Stoke presenter Matt Sandoz reports that Ibrahim Afellay has suffered a cruciate ligament injury to his knee and will be out until Christmas.
Man City v Stoke (12:45 BST)
City have not finished outside the Premier League's top three for the last five seasons yet they could miss out on the top four if they are not careful.
They start their penultimate home league game fourth in the table, although three points will lift them above Arsenal, whom they entertain on 8 May, into third.
A draw or a defeat will give neighbours Manchester United, currently fifth, a huge incentiive.
City's remaining league games after this are:
1 May: Away v Southampton
8 May: Home v Arsenal
15 May: Away v Swansea
Man City v Stoke (12:45 BST)
Three changes for Manchester City from the side that started the 1-1 draw at Newcastle on Tuesday.
In comes midfielder David Silva, defender Nicolas Otamendi, while 19-year-old forward Kelechi Iheanacho partners Sergio Aguero in attack.
Man City XI: Hart, Zabaleta, Kolarov, Mangala, Otamendi, Toure, Fernando, Navas, Silva, Iheanacho, Agüero.
Image source, .Three changes too for Stoke after the 4-0 home defeat by Tottenham on Monday.
Defender Phil Bardsley and forwards Mame Biram Diouf and Joselu all start. Ibrahim Afellay is out after suffering a serious knee injury in training on Friday.
Stoke City XI: Given, Wollscheid, Shawcross, Muniesa, Cameron, Whelan, Imbula, Bardsley, Diouf, Joselu, Arnautovic.
Image source, .Man City v Stoke (12:45 BST)
Image source, .Make no mistake. Next Tuesday's Champions League semi-final under the lights at the Etihad promises to be a sumptuous occasion for many reasons.
And who would bet against Manuel Pellegrini getting one over on his former club Real Madrid and booking City's place in the 28 May final at the San Siro?
Yet City are by no means guaranteed a place at the top table with Europe's elite next season - and a win over Stoke is a must before the superstars of Real come to town.
Image source, Getty ImagesCristiano Ronaldo or Mame Biram Diouf?
The Galacticos or the Potters?
The 10-time champions of Europe or the 14-time Staffordshire Senior Cup winners?
Yet some might say today's visit of Stoke City to the Etihad is just as big a game as next Tuesday's visit of Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final.