Stoke vs Man Utd Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Key Man + Predicted Score

Manchester United take on Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday afternoon looking to close in on the top four.

The champions head into the weekend action sitting seventh in the table but are now just three points off fifth-placed Tottenham and six off fourth-placed Liverpool, so will hope to cut the gap further tomorrow.

David Moyes side have been boosted by the arrival of record signing Juan Mata and the Spaniard had an immediate impact as he helped the club to a 2-0 win over Cardiff City in midweek.  The game also saw the return to action of Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie, which has further buoyed the club.

The Red Devils take on a Stoke side that are in poor form having lost their last three games with the latest defeat coming with a 1-0 loss to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday.

The defeat has left Mark Hughes men sitting perilously close to the drop zone with 16th placed Stoke just three points off West Ham in 18th and four ahead of bottom club Cardiff, so they will be desperate to get a positive result tomorrow.

Team News

The Potters have been boosted by the news that Robert Huth is fit and in contention after recovering from a knee injury and he’s set to resume his partnership with Ryan Shawcross at the back.

Andy Wilkinson continues to recover from an ankle injury and he’s joined by winger Matthew Etherington on the sidelines as he is still out with a calf problem.

Wayne Rooney could start having come off the bench in midweek, and he could replace Robin van Persie in the starting eleven with David Moyes confirming today that he’s going to be cautious with the duo as they work their way back to full match fitness.

Marouane Fellaini is also edging his way towards a comeback but this game comes too soon for the Belgian midfielder, so he joins Michael Carrick on the sidelines.

Likely Line-Ups

Key Man

Wayne Rooney: The Englishman will be hungry to get back on top form after weeks on the sidelines and he’ll be central to United’s attacking play tomorrow. His link-up with Juan Mata and potentially Robin van Persie (if he also starts) will be key to the away sides success.

Predicted Score

Stoke 0-2 Man Utd: The hosts have been in poor form and we can see a reinvigorated United going back to Manchester with all three points.

What team do you think Moyes should play and what’s your predicted score? Share your views below.