Preview: Manchester United vs. Stoke City

Manchester United can move closer to Chelsea at the top of the Premier League table with a victory over Stoke City this weekend.

The Red Devils are currently four points adrift of the Champions League winners after securing five wins out of their last six encounters in the domestic league.

Tony Pulis's Stoke side will be determined to snatch points from the former English champions as they try to move up the table from 12th place.

Sir Alex Ferguson could welcome back United duo Chris Smalling and Ashley Young, who are expected to be fit following their recent injury problems, while Robin van Persie should start up front with Wayne Rooney sitting deeper in a playmaker role.

Meanwhile, the away side may be without ex-United striker Michael Owen due to a knock, which means that Peter Crouch should lead the line for the Potters.

Recent form

Man United: WWWLW Stoke: DDLWD

Possible starting lineups:

Man United: De Gea; Rafael, Ferdinand, Smalling, Evra; Carrick, Cleverley; Young, Rooney, Kagawa; Van Persie

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

Sports Mole says: 3-0