‘We Have Found A Way To Deal With Stoke’ – Manchester City’s Kolo Toure Confident Ahead Of Etihad Stadium Clash

Manchester City’s Kolo Toure insists his side have conjured a way to deal with the threat of Stoke City, but is keeping tabs on the secret method until it is revealed during the game on Wednesday night.

A win against the Potters will see City on top of the Premier League on Christmas Day for the first time since 1929, as they look to extend their two-point gap over rivals Manchester United.

Tony Pulis’ side will be seeking revenge over Roberto Mancini’s men after the last encounter between the two back in May's FA Cup final, which City won 1-0, and Toure says they have devised a way to deal with any possible threat from the Potters.

"We all know about Stoke,” Toure told reporters.

"They have a great manager and great players. They are strong in the air and we have a lot of respect for them.

"They will be even more motivated because we beat them in the FA Cup final, so we are going to take it really seriously.

"But we have found a way to deal with them. I am just not going to say what it is."

Toure returned to the City line-up in the win over his former side Arsenal on Sunday, and knows he needs to impress manager Mancini to gain as many opportunities as possible before he and brother Yaya leave for the African Cup of Nations next month.

"It is always really difficult for us in this period," said Toure.

"You need to stay for your club but at the same time, you have to think about the national team. It is hard for everybody."

The Italian boss has stated that if the City are still top by the time the Ivorian duo return from Africa in February, then the title could very well be theirs - a claim Toure is happy to agree with.

"Why not?" he said. "I will be in contact all the time and watch the games on TV.

"We know there are some fantastic players who will be doing their best.

"I am sure we will still be at the top."