Written by Matthew Winter
Stoke's reward for beating Palace a fortnight ago in a 3rd Round replay is to host the English Championship in which Manager Tony Pulis has admitted 'I hope they have an off day'. The Manchester club famously beat Stoke in the 2011 final with Yaya Toure scoring the only goal to win City's first silverware under the new regime. City's last defeat in an FA Cup tie away from the Etihad Stadium came against Stoke in the Fifth round of the competition and the hosts will be dearly hoping for a repeat.
Stoke's 'Cup keeper' Tom Sorensen will start in place of Asmir Begovic, but right back Andy Wilkinson is likely to miss out with a back injury. New long throw specialist Ryan Shotton is available after picking up a hamstring problem, but may not be risked with big league games coming up.
Samir Nasri has been rated as 50:50 for the visitors as he tries to recover from a virus and right backs Micah Richards and Maicon are both ruled out with knee injuries. One piece of good news is that Pablo Zabaleta has recoverd from his foot injury and will play.
Kick off: 12:45
Soccer Xtra Prediction: Stoke City 1-1 Manchester City
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