Goal.com

 
Played
October 20, 2012 3:00 p.m. IST
Old Trafford — Manchester
Referee:‬ A. Taylor‎
Attendance:‬ 75585‎
 
27′ Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney 11′ (OG)
44′ Robin van Persie
Michael Kightly 58′
46′ Danny Welbeck
 
65′ Wayne Rooney
 

Manchester United - Stoke Preview: Potters targeting first Old Trafford win since 1972

Sir Alex Ferguson's side could welcome both Chris Smalling and Ashley Young back from injury, while Michael Owen makes a return to his former club following summer move

By Ryan Benson

More On :  Manchester United, Stoke City, Manchester United vs Stoke City
  PROBABLE LINEUPS

MANCHESTER UNITED

De Gea
Rafael, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra
 Kagawa, Carrick, Anderson
Rooney
Van Persie, Hernandez
STOKE CITY

Begovic
Cameron, Shawcross, Huth, Wilson
N'Zonzi, Whelan
Walters, Adam, Kightly
Crouch

After a concerning fitness crisis earlier in the season, Manchester United’s injury list appears to be gradually levelling out, but Sir Alex Ferguson still has a few players missing in defence for the visit of Stoke.

Chris Smalling (metatarsal) will face a late fitness test to determine whether he can be involved on Saturday after missing the opening two months of the season, while Phil Jones and Nemanja Vidic (both knee) are still about a month away from returning.

Like Smalling, Ashley Young (knee) could be in contention to make his first appearance since August 25, but a start looks unlikely.

Coming into one of their most challenging matches of the season, Stoke have almost a full squad to pick from with very few players unavailable for Tony Pulis.

Michael Owen had been struggling with a knock recently but is expected to be available for selection, while Glenn Whelan (hamstring) is a little more doubtful and his fitness will be determined on Friday.


  DID YOU KNOW?

  • Manchester United have managed to save nine points from losing positions so far this season, more than any other team in the Premier League.

  • With five goals, the Red Devils have scored more from corners than any other side.

  • Robin van Persie has a good record against Stoke with six goals in his five league matches against them.

  • Javier Hernandez (pictured right) also enjoys facing the Potters, scoring four times in his four appearances against Tony Pulis’ side.

  • Stoke have not won any of the last 12 meetings with United at Old Trafford in all competitions, losing 11 and drawing once.

  • Michael Owen could make his first appearance against United since leaving them on a free transfer in the summer.

  • Sixty-seven per cent of Stoke’s league goals this season have come from set-pieces.

  • The 2-0 win over Swansea in late September remains Stoke’s only win in all competitions this season.

  • Pulis’ men have not won any of their last 13 league matches away from home, with their six points all coming in draws.

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Reader's Predictions
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  • Manchester United 3-0 Stoke City
    25.58 %
  • Manchester United 3-1 Stoke City
    13.64 %
  • Manchester United 2-0 Stoke City
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Head to Head
England - Premier League ‎(EPL)‎ 14 Apr 2013 Stoke City 0 - Manchester United 2
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England - Premier League ‎(EPL)‎ 20 Oct 2012 Manchester United 4 - Stoke City 2
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England - Premier League ‎(EPL)‎ 31 Jan 2012 Manchester United 2 - Stoke City 0
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England - Premier League ‎(EPL)‎ 24 Sep 2011 Stoke City 1 - Manchester United 1
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England - Premier League ‎(EPL)‎ 4 Jan 2011 Manchester United 2 - Stoke City 1
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Last Five Matches
Manchester United
19 May 2013West Bromwich Albion 5 - Manchester United 5EPL
12 May 2013Manchester United 2 - Swansea City 1EPL
5 May 2013Manchester United 0 - Chelsea FC 1EPL
28 Apr 2013Arsenal FC 1 - Manchester United 1EPL
22 Apr 2013Manchester United 3 - Aston Villa 0EPL
Stoke City
19 May 2013Southampton 1 - Stoke City 1EPL
12 May 2013Stoke City 1 - Tottenham 2EPL
6 May 2013Sunderland 1 - Stoke City 1EPL
27 Apr 2013Stoke City 1 - Norwich City 0EPL
20 Apr 2013QPR 0 - Stoke City 2EPL
Odds
Returns: Man. United £13.00 PaddyPower Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets
Returns: Draw £510.00 Bet365 Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200
Returns: Stoke City £5010.00 Bet365 Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200
Team News
Available Squads
1David de GeaGoalkeeper
2RafaelDefender
3Patrice EvraDefender
5Rio FerdinandDefender
6Jonny EvansDefender
7Antonio ValenciaMidfielder
16Michael CarrickMidfielder
22Paul ScholesMidfielder
10Wayne RooneyStriker
19Danny WelbeckStriker
20Robin van PersieStriker
13Anders LindegaardGoalkeeper
6Scott WoottonDefender
8AndersonMidfielder
11Ryan GiggsMidfielder
17NaniMidfielder
25Nick PowellMidfielder
14ChicharitoStriker
1Asmir BegovicGoalkeeper
2Geoff CameronMidfielder
4Robert HuthDefender
12Marc WilsonDefender
17Ryan ShawcrossDefender
15Steven N'ZonziMidfielder
16Charlie AdamMidfielder
18Dean WhiteheadMidfielder
21Michael KightlyMidfielder
19Jonathan WaltersStriker
25Peter CrouchStriker
29Thomas SørensenGoalkeeper
35Matthew UpsonDefender
28Andy WilkinsonDefender
8W. PalaciosMidfielder
26Matthew EtheringtonMidfielder
9Kenwyne JonesStriker
10Michael OwenStriker
Results
ALL MATCHES >>
 
Top Scorers
Player   Goals Penalties
Robin van Persie Robin van Persie
Striker
Man. United 		26 3
Luis Suárez Luis Suárez
Striker
Liverpool 		23 0
Gareth Bale Gareth Bale
Midfielder
Tottenham 		21 0
C. Benteke C. Benteke
Striker
Aston Villa 		19 3
Michu Michu
Midfielder
Swansea City 		19 0