Preview: Stoke has not defeated Manchester United since a League Cup match in 1993
When you look at the current league table, it may come as a surprise. You need to look down to the eight spot to find Manchester United, something that has not been a normal occurrence for quite sometime. And although Stoke is eight spots below them, only three points separate the two clubs.
Moyes' job at Old Trafford was not going to be easy, and through eight matches, it has shown.
The former Everton manager has put together three wins, two draws and three defeats in their opening six matches. United currently has 11 points, which is the lowest they have had going into week nine since 1989.
Their mid-week victory over Real Sociedad will have been important, but had it not been for an early own goal, things could have well been different. But nonetheless, they remain unbeaten in Europe, as they will now turn their attention to the Premier League, looking to bounce back from a home draw against Southampton.
Robin van Persie will give the hosts a boost as he looks set to return to the squad, after missing out on their Champions League match. Missing in action for the Red Devils will likely be Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck due to injury. Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic are also question marks that Moyes will hope to sort out before kick-off on Saturday afternoon.
With RVP coming back into the squad, Moyes will be expecting his striker to take some of the load off of Wayne Rooney, who has been in fine form lately.
Three goals and one assist in his last five matches has United fans wanting more from the England international. Will him and RVP be able to break down a Stoke City back line that has only conceded seven goals in eight matches?
Mark Hughes' side has not played the greatest style of football, but they do not make things easy on their opponents.
Granted Stoke has four losses from their opening eight matches, they have only lost by more than one goal on one occasion. That came in a 3-1 defeat against Arsenal at the Emirates.
Away from home, they have lost three, and have only scored two goals. Maybe a meeting with United, who has conceded 10 goals this season may give Stoke a chance to get on the score sheet.
Stoke will come into the match knowing that despite United's early struggles, they will not be an easy opponent. Especially playing at Old Trafford, defending as a team and playing on the counter-attack will likely be their approach.
With virtually a full-squad to choose from, Hughes will only have concerns over Ryan Shawcross who was sick during the week, and Geoff Cameron, who appears to be suffering from a calf injury.
Seeing how United has been extremely inconsistent this season, the Stoke squad will know that they have a chance. With only two cleansheets in eight matches, the visitors could be prepared to test a United back four that could be without some of their key figures.
Where to watch the match - live stream, start time, TV channels, live scores
Watch Manchester United vs Stoke City live on Saturday, October 26, 2013:
In Canada at 10:00 ET on: RDS, TalkSport Radio, TSN
In the UK at 15:00 BST on: BBC Radio 5 Live
In the USA at 10:00 ET on: SiriusXM FC, NBC Sports Network, DirecTV, NBC Sports Live Extra, TalkSport Radio
Viewers in Africa can follow the action live on SuperSport 3 Africa. If you are not within these viewing areas, please visit the Manchester United vs Stoke City match page for full TV listings.
