A Stoke City team which has regularly been a thorn in the big teams’ sides will take on the champions elect of England, Manchester United.

Team News

Marc Wilson, Glenn Whelan and Matthew Etherington are all doubtful for Stoke. Darren Fletcher continues to be out for United with a chronic bowel condition. Nemanja Vidic, Paul Scholes, Chris Smalling, Ashley Young and Jonny Evans are all doubtful for the side from Manchester.

Analysis

Stoke’s recent form in the Premier League has been absolutely awful. They have collected only one point in their past six matches, drawing one and losing five. Manchester United, seemingly invincible coming into the derby last week against City, was brought down to earth by a 1-2 defeat. They will look to maintain a twelve point advantage over the defending champions.

Stoke City, despite their current form, will not give United an easy afternoon. Despite being embarrassed by the likes of Chelsea this season, Stoke remains a side which many fear. Stoke’s physical approach is not appreciated by many teams and managers. Sir Alex Ferguson’s team though should manage to win this one.

Previous Meetings

Manchester United 4-2 Stoke City (20th October 2012)
Manchester United 2-0 Stoke City (31st January 2012)
Stoke City 1-1 Manchester United (24th September 2011)
Manchester United 2-1 Stoke City (4th January 2011)
Stoke City 1-2 Manchester United (24th October 2010)

Previous Matches

Stoke City 1-3 Aston Villa (6th April 2013)
Everton 1-0 Stoke City (30th March 2013)
Stoke City 0-0 West Bromwich Albion (16th March 2013)
Newcastle United 2-1 Stoke City (10th March 2013)
Stoke City 0-1 West Ham United (2nd March 2013)

Manchester United 1-2 Manchester City (8th April 2013)
Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United (1st April 2013)
Sunderland 0-1 Manchester United (30th March 2013)
Manchester United 1-0 Reading (16th March 2013)
Manchester United 2-2 Chelsea (10th March 2013)

Prediction

Stoke City 1-2 Manchester United