After a hard fought victory over Zorya Luhansk in the group stage of the Europa League, Manchester United are back in action this weekend as they welcome Mark Hughes’ Stoke City this to the Old Trafford this weekend. The Red Devil are fresh from a thumping victory over Leicester City at home and will hope to produce a similar performance on the night at Old Trafford. Stoke City picked up just their second point last weekend and will hope to get at least another one from this trip to Old Trafford. Though the homes side will be favorites to take all three points, Stoke will surely not make it easy for them.
Here is the preview of this game, along with the team new, predictions, expected lineups and betting odds:
The Manchester United vs Stoke City game will be played on Sunday the 2nd of October at the Old Trafford stadium in Manchester. The kickoff is scheduled at 12:00 pm BST (4:30 pm IST).
Team News:
Jose Mourinho will be happy to welcome the likes of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Luke Shaw back into the squad and will hope to accommodate them in the starting lineup. The likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba will keep their place while Anthony Martial, who came back from a concussion to get a few minutes under his belt on Thursday and might start on the night. Phil Jones remains the only other injury concern for the manager.
Mark Hughes will be missing some first team players for this trip to Manchester. The likes of Jack Butland, Ben Afellay, and Ireland are all out with long-term injuries while Jon Walters and Joe Allen are doubtful for this game but might yet make it into the starting XI. The likes of Bony and Shaqiri are expected to start up front for the Potters.
Expected Lineups:
Manchester United:
De Gea; Valencia, Bailey, Smalling, Rojo; Herrera, Pogba; Lingard, Mata, Rashford; Ibrahimovic.
Stoke City:
Given; Pieters, Shawcross, Martins Indi, Johnson; Cameron, Whelan, Allen; Shaqiri, Arnautovic, Bony.
Key battles:
Zlatan Ibrahimovic vs Bruno Martins Indi:
The summer transfer for Stoke City, Martins Indi has not been at his best for the club this season and will face his toughest task yet against Zlatan Ibrahimovic of United. The Swede scored the winner in the Europa League game and will be hard to contend and the Dutch international will have his hands full on the night.
Xherdan Shaqiri vs Daley Blind:
Blind has been decent in the left back position for Manchester United in recent games but he will be tested all night by the Swiss international Shaqiri. The small but magical player can produce moments of brilliance from nowhere and Blind has to keep tabs on him to make sure that his team can take maximum points from this game.
Key Stats:
Manchester United have won all eight previous Premier League matches against Stoke at Old Trafford; against no other side have they played more games with a 100% record (also Wigan, 8)
After winning none of their first 11 Premier League clashes with the Red Devils, Stoke have since won two of their last five (D1 L2).
Manchester United are unbeaten in their last 16 home games in all competitions against the Potters (W15 D1), winning the last 13 in a row.
Wayne Rooney has scored four and assisted two more in his last three PL appearances against Stoke at Old Trafford.
Stoke’s last clean sheet at Old Trafford coincided with their last win there in any competition – they won 1-0 in April 1976 in the league.
Juan Mata has been involved in 82 goals in the Premier League since moving to England ahead of the 2011/12 season (scored 41, assisted 41), a joint-high for a midfield player (level with David Silva).
United have won five of the last seven Premier League games that Wayne Rooney hasn’t started.
Jose Mourinho has lost three of his last four matches in the Premier League in October.
Four of the last six Premier League teams to take two points from their opening six games (as Stoke have) have been relegated.
Manchester United’s most recent title (2012-13) saw them start the season with four wins and two defeats (as they have this season).
Betting Odds:
Manchester United: 1/3
Draw: 4/1
Stoke City: 9/1
Predictions:
Playing at home, United will be expected to cruise through the Stoke City side that is currently low on confidence. But with the chips against them, the Potters might be able to find some form this weekend and might provide United with a bit of a threat. It will be an interesting game with both sides going for the kill.
Our Prediction: Manchester United 1-0 Stoke City