MIDFIELDER Nigel de Jong returns from a one-match suspension to face Stoke on Boxing Day - new manager Roberto Mancini’s first match in charge.

Mancini only took his first training session on Monday following Mark Hughes’ controversial sacking after Saturday’s victory over Sunderland and has had little time to fully assess the squad.

However, defenders Nedum Onuoha (calf) and Joleon Lescott (knee) are definitely out while striker Emmanuel Adebayor and winger Shaun Wright-Phillips (both ankle) and Micah Richards (knee) are all doubtful.

Stoke are expected to recall defender Robert Huth following a one-match suspension which ruled him out of last weekend’s defeat at Aston Villa.

Huth’s return gives boss Tony Pulis decisions to make at the back, with Danny Collins having returned to the side in the German’s absence at Villa Park.

The Potteries club have a doubt, however, over defender Ryan Shawcross, who is struggling with a groin injury.

Manchester City (from): Given, Taylor, Richards, Zabaleta, Toure, Sylvinho, Garrido, Kompany, De Jong Ireland, Barry, Robinho, Petrov, Wright-Phillips, Adebayor, Tevez, Santa Cruz, Weiss.

Stoke City (from): Sorensen, Wilkinson, Shawcross, Faye, Collins, Lawrence, Huth, Diao, Delap, Etherington, Whitehead, Sidibe, Beattie, Fuller, Tuncay, Whelan, Simonsen, Higginbotham, Cort.

City league form: DWDLW

Stoke league form: WDLDL

Key opponent: Tuncay - a canny operator up front

Prediction: City 2 Stoke 1 - The Blues should be bang up for this one, although injuries in defence are a concern

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