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Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini says Stoke City is one of the "worst grounds" to visit in the Premier League, and is glad to be getting the trip out of the way early in the season, according to Goal.com.

Mancini told reporters: "We need to think only about Stoke because we never win there - it is a difficult pitch - but it is better we have this game now than the end, like last year.

"Stoke is one of the worst [grounds] in the Premier League because it is very difficult to play there. They are a strong team."

He continued: "For us, it is very difficult, but not only for us, for all the teams. It is important we try to play football like we do.

"I think that they have good players because this year they have changed, they have brought in good players.

"They are very strong, they are tall, but with this kind of football they stay always in the Premier League.

"For them, this is important. They have good players with experience.

"We have experience for this, all our players know this game, and we know it will be a tough game."