Whelan believes chase for eighth can start in Manchester

Britain Football Soccer - Liverpool v Stoke City - Premier League - Anfield - 27/12/16 Stoke City's Glenn Whelan looks dejected after Giannelli Imbula scored an own goal and the third goal for Liverpool Reuters / Darren Staples Livepic

(Reuters) - Midfielder Glenn Whelan is hoping Stoke City can get a rare result at high-flying Manchester City in the Premier League on Wednesday, to help them improve on last season's ninth-placed finish.

Stoke, who are ninth in the table and five points behind eighth-placed West Bromwich Albion, were beaten 4-1 at home by third-placed City in August, and have won just one of their eight trips to the Etihad Stadium.