United will be looking to continue their push up the table with a victory over relegation battlers Stoke City at Old Trafford this afternoon. Mark Hughes’ men are currently just one point above the drop, and United a massive eight points off top spot, and five points away from a Champions League place.
This is a must win game for David Moyes. Dropping more points at home this early could be costly in not only the hunt for the title but fourth place also, albeit so early on in the season.
Match Details
KO: 15:00 BST
Venue: Old Trafford
Date: 26th October 2013
Manchester United could have up to six players missing this game through injury. Darren Fletcher did train with the first-team this week but is not expected to take part in any games for a while yet. Tom Cleverley has a shin problem and he’s definitely out of the game too. Rio Ferdinand, Robin van Persie and club captain Nemanja Vidic will all face late fitness tests, whereas Danny Welbeck is a major doubt due to a knee problem.
Stoke City currently sit just above the relegation zone, and their task today won’t be made any easier if United old boy Ryan Shawcross misses the trip to Old Trafford; he’s a doubt with an illness. The Potters’ only other injury concern is 28-year old defender Geoff Cameron who has a calf problem.
See our predicted line-up here.
Both sides desperately need a win here, but I can only see one side pushing for all three points. I think Stoke will sit back, defend as a unit and try and counter quickly and hit United on the break.
Score prediction: Manchester United 3-0 Stoke
This will be the league game where United finally shine. Goals from Wayne Rooney and Nani will seal a comfortable victory (hopefully!).
United are only 4 points off the relegation zone.
If the unlikely happens and Stoke get the win, we are on level points.