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Hughes keen on City test

London - The Potters have lost just one of the last nine games in all competitions, while victory over Queens Park Rangers on January 31 extended an unbeaten record on home soil to four games.

"We're looking forward to it and it's important that we keep our impressive run going," Stoke manager Mark Hughes told a press conference.

"We are playing really well at the moment and I am pleased with the form we are showing so we need to keep it going.

"It won't be easy, Manchester City are a little bit of a wounded animal at the moment and have got a little bit of criticism for their home form.

"We need to be ready for them, but we're playing very well at the moment so bring it on."

Stoke salvaged a point against Newcastle United on Sunday thanks to Peter Crouch’s late header.

It was the former England striker’s fifth Premier League goal of the season, during which he has been used sparingly by his manager.

Of the 34-year-old’s 22 league appearances, nine have come as a substitute.

“He's understandably been a little disappointed of late because he hasn't started games, but he came on and invariably made a massive impact for us,” Hughes said.

"That's the type of player he is. He's a solid professional whether he starts games or comes off the bench.

“Again that's a credit to him because it shows he is fully engaged and readily prepared for every game he plays in."

Stoke City host Manchester City at the Britannia Stadium, with kick-off set for 21:45. 

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