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Finally! The International break is over and we can welcome back the English Premier League back into our lives after two very long, painful and excruciating weeks.
Old Trafford welcomes Stoke in the first game for Man Utd since the international break. Old Trafford has not been a happy hunting ground for Stoke and will be targeting their first win at Old Trafford since 1972.
Team News:
Sir Alex has declared Ashley Young fit for the encounter. Chris Smalling was also expected to return to the squad, but fails to make it to the squad this week. Phil Jones and Vidic are still injured and unavailable for selection. The delayed game between Poland and England could also cause a few selection headaches to Sir Alex Ferguson, especially considering Carrick and Cleverley played the full 90 mins with Rooney lasting around 70 mins before being subbed off. Elsewhere, everyone returned fit from their respective international duties which is always good to hear. Guessing Sir Alex’s line up has become a harder task this season considering the options he has, more so in attack, but here is mine:
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Expected line-up: Lindegaard; Rafael, Rio, Evans, Evra; Scholes, Anderson; Valencia, Kagawa, RVP, WelbeckBench: DDG, Buttner, Cleverley, Carrick, Giggs, Young, Rooney
Stoke, apart from one or two injury worries, go into this game with a near full squad. Michael Owen is expected to be fit for the game and make his return to Old Trafford. Glen Whelan remains a doubt for the game. Guessing the Stoke line up was lot easier.
Expected line-up: Begovic; Cameron, Shawcross, Huth, Wilson; N’zonzi, Whelan; Walters, Adam, Knightly; CrouchBench: Sorensen, Upson, Edu, Whitehead, Jones, Etherington, Owen
Manchester United Player to watch:
Shinji Kagawa: He started off brightly but recently has slowed down a bit. It could have to do with the fact that he has been played out of position with Rooney playing in the role Kagawa was brought to play in. Rooney might be rested for this game considering his exploits with the National Team. This will allow Kagawa to play in his favored role. He needs to start facing the goal more than he has till now as that is when he is at his most dangerous compared to when his back is towards goal.
Stoke Player to watch:
Peter Crouch: 4 goals in 7 games. United have conceded 9 in the 7 games and you know why Crouch might love facing Manchester United right now. According to Stats courtesy WhoScored.com, Peter Crouch has won 57/83 aerial duels this season whereas Manchester United as a whole has managed to win only 46% of their headers. Rio and Evans showcased a better rearguard against Ba and Cisse before the international break and it will be interesting to see if Crouch alone is able to provide more of a challenge. He will be a major threat from every set-piece or throw-in near the box and the CB’s will have to be aware of him all the time.
Key Battle:
Stoke CB’s vs RVP: RVP will be expected to get the goals for the team once again. Stoke are known to be very miserly in terms of goals: both scoring and conceding! Considering the stretch of games that United will be facing with Chelsea and Arsenal coming up next, it will be very important for MUFC that RVP wins this battle and gets the goals for the Devils to secure three points.
Trivia
- Manchester United have managed to save NINE points from losing positions this season. That is the most this season for any EPL side.
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Manchester United’s last 6 games in the Premier League.
- Stoke have failed to win their last 13 away games.
- Manchester United have managed to beat Stoke 7 out of the last 8 times in all competitions.
Stats are courtesy WhoScored.com
Final Prediction:
I am not expecting Manchester United to manage to a clean sheet, but they should be able to win the match. Expect Stoke to get a goal, but more than that would catch everyone by surprise, considering Stoke’s record.
Their recent away record also holds no optimism for the away fans, and hence I predict a Man United win with RVP and Kagawa to get the goals.
Final Score: 2-1
