Man City team news: Guardiola unable to call upon star striker – German playmaker in contention for starting XI place

Manchester City will be hoping to protect their lead at the top of the Premier League when they take on Stoke City this weekend.

The clash takes place on Saturday at the Etihad stadium while kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 (GMT).

City come into the game in high spirits following their 1-0 win over the reigning champion Chelsea. Manager Pep Guardiola will be hoping the international break does not disrupt their momentum in the league.

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Man City team news: 

Sergio Aguero has returned to first team training following a car accident but is unlikely to feature this weekend. Meanwhile Benjamin Mendy will play no part in this weekends clash after undergoing knee ligament surgery.

Star playmaker Ilkay Gundogan has been training with the team during the international break and come into contention for a start having come off the bench in the closing stages of the win over Chelsea.

Club captain Vincent Kompany could also return to the lineup on Saturday after recovering from a calf injury.