Pre-Match:

 VS 

Britannia Stadium

The Potters entertain table toppers and defending champions Manchester United at the Britannia Stadium, an evening kick-off on a hectic Saturday of Barclays Premier League weekend. Stoke’s impressive start to the campaign was brought to halt by a 4-0 thumping at hands of Sunderland, while run out comfortable winners against Chelsea in bizarre game at Old Trafford. Both the teams were prevailed during the weekend’s Carling Cup fixtures, United against their bitter rivals – Leeds United at Ellan Road while Stoke , at home, needed a penalty shoot-out against Tottenham.

Forward:

Danny Welbeck is declared fit again for United after a hamstring problem as well as Javier Hernandez is available for selection after writhing in agony on the Old Trafford turf due to Ashley Cole’s tackle.

Stoke City issued a confirmation that the hamstring injury suffered by Kenwyne Jones is not as bad as first initially feared. Yet, he is still likely to be sidelined until after next month's international break. The Trinidad and Tobago international limped out of the Carling Cup tie against Spurs on Tuesday evening after pulling up sharply; but a scan has revealed he suffered only minor damage to the hamstring.

United may have initially started this game with one up-top, but the return of Sir Alex’s preferred strikers option puts him into a dilemma. In spite of an off game against Chelsea, Rooney has scored in every game of the premier league and consequently, is top scorer with 9 goals.

Being at home, Stoke would be expected to have real go at this game, and are likely to start with two strikers – Jerome and Crouch. Although both these new acquisitions are yet to open their account, they do fit into the scheme of things perfectly. They Both of them aren’t prolific goal scorerers but they are very good target-men and hold up the ball very well.

Midfield:

Former United trailist Matthew Etherington and Walters have added a bit of flair to Stoke’s game in addition to their old school direct approach. While both provide good pace on the wings, the middle of the park is devoid of creativity. With Stoke you are always bound to get a scrappy, gritty and extremely physical game.

United’s midfield  was pretty sloppy at Old Trafford against Chelsea, at times giving the ball away in their own half ; Sir Alex will demand better ball retention in this game. To counter the physicality of Stoke side, he may include a 5-man midfield as well. If that is the case, Young/ Giggs are likely to play in behind Rooney.

Defence:

Chris Smalling could miss out with a groin strain while Nemanja Vidic and Rafael remain long term absentees. Rio Ferdinand is expected to be back in the starting as Sir Alex looks to calm things down at the back with a more experienced head. Jones has been excellent, slotting right into heart of United’s defence but at times has been a bit rash. It is not going to be a goals galore, so United might as well win this by the virtue of their defence. For De Gea, this is as physical as it can get in the Premier league. Stoke will bombard the penalty box with arrows in the form of Delap’s throw and every set piece will be hoisted in the box. Stoke attacks the ball well; a lot of players have good headers and physical presence.

Stoke’s defence is a foundation of their success in the league. Against Sunderland, it was the first time Stoke had conceded four goals in the league in 16 months. One of the reasons could be that their squad is a bit depleted to compete in all four competitions. Potter’s captain Ray Shawcross will be looking forward to face his ex-employer. Woodgate, another of Pulis’ shrewd buys, provides good experience at the back.

Probable XI:

Stoke City: Begovic, Huth, Shawcross, Woodgate, Delap, Whitehead, Wilson, Etherington, Walters, Crouch, Jerome.

Manchester United:  De Gea, Jones, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra, Nani, Fletcher, Anderson, Giggs, Young, Rooney.