Manchester City midfielder Javi Garcia hopes he can keep his starting place.

After starting roles against Reading and Sunderland he is hoping for more game time on New Year's Day.

"Maybe I enjoy the physical games more because it suits my style," he told City's website.

"I need to be physically at my best for games such as this and so does the rest of the team. Stoke can be a match for anyone so you have to be strong for challenges such as this.