MX23RW : Saturday, December 14 21:18:31| >> :60:669:669:
[monks data]
Stoke logo
Premier League
Feb 1, 2014 at 3pm UK
 
Manchester United logo

2-1

Carrick (38' og.), Adam (52')
FT(HT: 1-0)

Preview: Stoke City vs. Manchester United

Sports Mole previews the Premier League clash between hosting Stoke City and Manchester United, who could field Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie.

Manchester United manager David Moyes could have all of his star names to call upon this Saturday when they travel to Stoke City.

Club-record signing Juan Mata made his debut in the 2-0 win over Cardiff City in midweek, a game in which Robin van Persie made his comeback from a six-week injury layoff and Wayne Rooney featured off the bench.

The England forward is likely to be restored to the Red Devils starting lineup at the Britannia Stadium, and Moyes may try to find room for him, Van Persie, Mata and young starlet Adnan Januzaj in his XI. The recent form of Danny Welbeck, rested against Cardiff, gives him another option.

With Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini both ruled out through injury, Phil Jones may again be asked to provide United's legs in midfield, with Ryan Giggs dropping out to make room for Tom Cleverley.

Moyes's back four could remain the same as the one that shut out the Bluebirds, although Rio Ferdinand is in contention to return in central defence after playing just once since December due to a knee injury.

Ex-United star Mark Hughes has seen his Potters side drop six places in the table following a six-match winless Premier League run. Goals are still Stoke's main problem - they haven't scored in three games.

John Guidetti and Peter Odemwingie have been brought in to ease the burden on Peter Crouch, and the latter will probably continue on the wing after making his debut in the 1-0 defeat to Sunderland in midweek.

Alongside him in midfield, Wilson Palacios could be restored to fill the void left by the suspended Steven N'Zonzi, sent off against the Black Cats, while Hughes will choose between Charlie Adam and Stephen Ireland to be the creative influence. Robert Huth is nearing fitness, but unlikely to start.

Recent form

Stoke: LLLLWD

Man U: WWLWLL

Possible starting lineups

Stoke: Begovic; Cameron, Shawcross, Wilson, Pieters; Odemwingie, Palacios, Whelan, Assaidi; Ireland, Crouch

Man U: De Gea; Rafael, Evans, Vidic, Evra; Jones, Cleverley; Mata, Rooney, Januzaj; Van Persie

Sports Mole says: 0-3


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Joe Fish
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