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Manchester United host Stoke City on Monday and the Red Devils will have a chance to cut down the lead of Premier League leaders, Manchester City to 12 points from 15 points.
Jose Mourinho's side are well rested, having played their last game on January 5th, and took advantage of the time off to travel to Dubai for a warm-weather training camp.
Stoke City are in real danger of relegation this season as they sit 18th in the 20-team league table and have sacked their manager Mark Hughes to arrest their alarming decline.
Manchester United vs Stoke City: Kickoff information
Date: 15th January 2018, Monday
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Kickoff: 20:00 GMT (local time), 1:30 AM (IST) [Tuesday early morning]
Venue: Old Trafford.
Team News
Manchester United
David De Gea will continue in goal for the hosts. Antonio Valencia could return in defence for Manchester United on Monday night after being sidelined for four weeks because of a hamstring injury. Ashley Young is still suspended and will not be featuring in this fixture.
Eric Bailly and Zlatan Ibrahimovic will remain sidelined owing to their respective injuries. Anthony Martial is doubtful for this fixture due to his match fitness. Meanwhile, Michael Carrick was seen training at Dubai and is expected to be in the substitutes against Stoke City.
Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic are likely to start together in the central midfield. Matic is expected to shield the back four while Pogba will be given the licence to attack.
Romelu Lukaku has regained his full fitness and will be expected to lead United's attack at the Theatre of Dreams. Manchester United will be hoping that their best performer in recent times - Jesse Lingard - continues his fine run.
Manchester United's form guide (in all competitions): W-D-D-D-W
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manchester United's probable playing XI
David De Gea(GK); Antonio Valencia, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Luke Shaw; Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba(C); Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford; Romelu Lukaku.
Stoke City
Stoke City are expected to have the services of Erik Pieters and Bruno Martins Indi for Monday's Premier League clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Both were out for a month due to their respective hamstring and groin injuries. Stoke's new signing from Rubin Kazan, Moritz Bauer, could make his debut at full-back.
The Potters are expected to field a heavy midfield side against the Red Devils. Stoke City will be without their boss Mark Hughes, and Eddie Niedzwiecki has been put in temporary charge for them since the former's sacking.
Stoke City's form guide (in all competitions): W-D-L-L-L
Formation: 4-5-1
Stoke City's probable playing XI
Jack Butland(GK); Moritz Bauer, Kurt Zouma, Bruno Martins Indi, Erik Pieters; Joe Allen, Charlie Adam, Geoff Cameron, Xherdan Shaqiri, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting; Peter Crouch.
Author's verdict:
Manchester United have started playing well and winning again - and I think that will continue on Monday, against 18th-placed Stoke City.
