Man Utd vs Stoke: Preview, Team News, Likely Line-ups & Predicted Score

Manchester United get back to Premier League action after the two week international break as they welcome Stoke City to Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will be hoping to keep the pressure on league leaders Chelsea with all three points on this weekend but face a tough side in Stoke who have already taken points from Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool this season.

However, Manchester United have an excellent record against Tony Pulis’ side winning seven out of eight meetings between the two clubs since the Potters returned to the Premiership in 2008.

Stoke will head in to the game in positive mood though having held Liverpool to a 0-0 draw at Anfield last time out.

Team News

Sir Alex Ferguson is able to welcome back Ashely Young after the winger missed two months with a knee injury.

Chris Smalling is closing in on a first team return after making good progress in his recovery from a knee injury. Nemanja Vidic, Phil Jones and Anders Lindegaard all remain out.

Ferguson has no fresh injury concerns following the international break so has a healthy squad to choose from.

Tony Pulis has doubts over the fitness of Glenn Whelan and Michael Owen. Whelan missed the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup qualifiers with a hamstring problem but is winning his fitness race to be fit to face United this weekend.

 Former United striker Owen is expected to start from the bench after missing the last two weeks with a groin injury.

Defender Andy Wilkinson returns after serving a three match ban but Pulis may decide to stick with the back four that kept Liverpool at bay last time out.

Likely Line-ups

Predicted Score

Despite Stoke’s resilient reputation, we can only see a United win here. Ferguson’s side have a superb record against the Potters and we expect that trend to continue this weekend. Man Utd 2-0 Stoke City.

What team would you pick and what do you think the final score will be? Get involved in the comments section.

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