Stoke City vs Manchester United – English Premier League – Preview

Posted on December 25, 2015 by Sreya

Manchester United face an extremely crucial test in the English Premier League when Louis van Gaal’s side travel to Britannia Stadium on 26th December, Saturday to face Stoke City. While Manchester United sit on the fifth position in league standings with twenty nine points, the Potters are six points and six places behind.

It has been a difficult few weeks for Manchester United, with the Red Devils getting knocked out of the UEFA Champions League and putting up underwhelming displays in the domestic campaign. The manager has been criticized across the fanbase for his philosophies and lack of quality display from the squad even after millions of pounds were spent on transfer fees in the last few transfer windows.

Team News

Stoke City have several injury concerns with Shay Given, Peter Crouch, Peter Odemwingie, Stephen Ireland, Marc Muniesa and Geoff Cameron sidelined for the match. As far as Manchester United are concerned, Luke Shaw, Antonio Valencia, Marcos Rojo, Matteo Darmian and Jesse Lingaard have been ruled out with injuries.

Morgan Schneiderlin, struggling with a hip injury, is yet to be declared match fit and might start on the substitute’s bench. Bastian Schweinsteiger is also set to miss the game as he completes his three-match suspension.

Stoke City Possible Starting Lineup: Jack Butland, Glen Johnson, Ryan Shawcross, Philipp Wollschleid, Erik Pieters, Charlie Adam, Glen Whelan, Xherdan Shaqiri, Bojan, Marko Arnautovic, Mame Biram Diouf.

Manchester United Possible Starting Lineup: David de Gea, Ashley Young, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Daley Blind, Ander Herrera, Michael Carrick, Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney, Memphis Depay, Anthony Martial.

Contributor’s Pick

Manchester United have not won any of their last four matches in the Premier League, losing their last two games to AFC Bournemouth and Norwich City. Stoke City have been pretty disappointing in the last two weeks as well, failing to match their brilliant performance in the 2-0 win over Manchester City in a draw at West Ham United and a defeat against Crystal Palace.

According to Head-2-Head statistics, Stoke City have won only one of their previous six meetings with Manchester United, Saturday’s visitors winning on four occasions. The Red Devils are also unbeaten against Stoke City in fourteen of their last fifteen encounters.

On current form, it should be a closely contested affair. While Manchester United will be eager to pick up points and put an end to speculation regarding the future of their manager, Stoke City would love to start the busy festive period with a win at home.

A draw is the most likely outcome, with 1-1 being the most probable scoreline.