Preview: Manchester United vs. Stoke City

Sir Alex Ferguson will be hoping that his side defeat Stoke City tomorrow evening as they look to remain on the coat-tails of leaders and rivals Manchester City.

However, the manager has a number of injuries to contend with. Ashley Young and Anderson are already ruled out, while doubts remain over the availability of Wayne Rooney, Nani and Phil Jones.

One piece of good news for Ferguson is the return to fitness of Rio Ferdinand, who is expected to slot in alongside Jonny Evans at centre-back.

Visiting Stoke only have one real injury concern over Matthew Etherington, who is suffering with a groin problem.

Stoke are yet to win at Old Trafford since their return to the top flight.

Current form:

Man United: WWLLWW Stoke: LDDWDL

Man United: Lindegaard; Smalling, Evans, Ferdinand, Evra; Valencia, Carrick, Scholes, Giggs; Welbeck, Hernandez.

Stoke: Sorensen; Huth, Shawcross, Upson, Wilkinson; Walters, Whitehead, Whelan, Pennant; Crouch, Jerome.

Sports Mole says: 2-0