The statistic that Samir Nasri and Jesus Navas have not managed a league goal for Manchester City this season is amazing, and shows how City have just not scored enough goals from midfield.
Then there is Manchester City's record without Yaya Toure - they have not won any of their six league games without him this campaign.
But Manuel Pellegrini's are struggling in other departments too. Vincent Kompany has been average at the back since he returned from injury at the start of the year, which is a real surprise.
Even so, I think we will see a reaction from the champions here after their poor run of form.
I know they have to go to the Britannia Stadium but it is not longer a place where teams face a bombardment.
Lawro's prediction: 0-2
Kelly's prediction: Manchester City did not play well against Hull and they might struggle a bit against Stoke too. But this is a must-win game for them because of the seven-point gap that Chelsea have opened up and I think they will get the victory they need. 1-2
Merson is on his period this week and is not as generous as Lawro
This might be the final nail for Manchester City’s title hopes. If they draw, it will be nine points to Chelsea, who would have to lose three games and City win all their games. I don’t see that happening.
I don’t think Manuel Pellegrini truly understands lesser opposition. Jesus Navas probably had his best game at City against Chelsea, and then he’s on the bench against Hull. They were lucky against Chelsea, but look through their home games this season and the ones they haven’t won have been mostly against the lesser teams.
PAUL PREDICTS 1-1
I think Mr Merson was watching a completely different game to the rest of the planet
