Vital Stoke predicts: Man City (Home)

Editor Lloyd Reddin and Tom McKeon were the only members of the team who got the Wigan result correct before the international break, therefore both have caught up with the leaders to go joint top.

Here is the league as it stands after the third week:
1. Tom Barker Prediction (0-2; 0pt) 4 points
1. Mark Lawrenson Prediction (1-2; 0pt) 4 points
1. Lloyd Reddin Prediction (1-1; 1pt) 4 points
1. Tom McKeon Prediction (1-1; 1pt) 4 points
5. Ryan Kalisz Prediction (1-0; 0pt) 3 points
6. Niall Cope Prediction (0-1; 0pt) 2 points

The Vital Stoke team will go head-to-head with BBC`s Mark Lawrenson in predicting Stoke`s result against Premier League champions Manchester City.

Points will be given for any member of the team that gets the score correct (3points) or the result correct (Win, Lose or draw (1 point)), and all points will be calculated throughout the season.

The team`s predictions are as followed:

Editor Lloyd Reddin- Stoke1-1 Man City

"Since being promoted back to the top tier of English football, we haven`t lost to the current champions at the Britannia Stadium but 4 out of the 5 times we have played the game has ended as a 1-1 draw, and with this in mind I can`t see any other result tomorrow in which will be a breath taking end to end game with Stoke`s new boys impressing. Fasten your seat belts folks!"

Co-Editor Tom Barker- Stoke 1-1 Man City

"Some may doubt this, but i think we could hold off the Champions. We've done it many times before, and a last gasp Owen goal seals a firm point and an unbeaten start to the season for us. The match has the potential to be a cracker, who can forget Crouch's goal last season?!"

Co-Editor Ryan Kalisz- Stoke 1-2 Man City

"As much as I'd love to beat the Manc moneybags, I can see this being a really tough ask for our red and white side. But 'Cit'eh' won't be in for an easy ride either; I reckon they'll have to fight back from an early Stoke lead from hopefully one of our new boys. Make sure you shout up, and stand up for the mighty Potters against the current champions!!"
Co-Editor Tom McKeon- Stoke 0-1 Man City

"Stoke always seem to do well against Man City at the Britannia, and I think this fixture has brought about some of the most memorable games over the last few years. Although, City come to the Potteries as champions for the first time, and I'm sure that will give them more belief than in previous years as they set themselves up for a battle. I'm really not sure where this Stoke side can hurt Man City, as much as I'd love to see a positive result against the champions, they're champions for a reason. Perhaps we can catch them cold after the international break? I think Man City will just sneak it, but if we introduce Owen late on... stranger things have happened and I wouldn't be surprised if he had an impact, football is a funny old game."

Co-Editor Niall Cope- Stoke 2-0 Man City

"The Citizens have failed to win against Stoke since 1999 and I can't see that changing on Saturday.

"After conceding five goals in the opening three fixtures, Manchester City's defence is quite brittle and will face a customary battle at the Britannia Stadium.

"Charlie Adam is likely to start with Michael Owen set to make his debut from the bench for The Potters.

"Goals from new boys Geoff Cameron and Michael Owen will give Stoke their first win of the season.'

BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson- Stoke 1-1 Man City

"Stoke have drawn all three of their games so let's go for draw number four. What Stoke will be hoping is that, with all the Manchester City boys having been away on international duty, it might just be a good time to play them.
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'Michael Owen will be a long way from being fit. I would have thought maybe he will start on the bench. If you keep him fit and sharp he will score goals but that is a big if. As he has got older in his career his injuries have got worse.'

"Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini knows what to expect, he knows it is going to be tough but he has got some big boys in his team. Defensively they will all be on their toes.
"After the transfer window I don't think City are that much stronger. I'm not sure how many of those signings will be in the team on a regular basis.
But they have got a good number of players in their squad and I think that will be the most important thing for Mancini, not least because they face a tough group in the Champions League. He has got cover in every single position."

Can anyone pull ahead at the top of the league or can the stragglers pull their way back up the table?

What do you think the score will be? Don`t be afraid to let us know in the comments section below!

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.