Manchester United
Reuters

Manchester United resume their season after the October international break by welcoming Stoke City to Old Trafford.

Where to Watch (All Times BST)

Kick-off is set for 3pm BST. MUTV will have a build-up to the match from 2pm. Watch highlights of the game on Match of the Day on BBC One at 10.30pm.

Overview

Sir Alex Ferguson's side come into the game second in the league table after seven matches, with 15 points - four behind early leaders Chelsea. With the Blues facing a tough trip to White Hart Lane this weekend, United will be keen to clinch all three points against Stoke as the title race takes a crucial turn, with a long run of fixtures lined up before the next international break.

Tony Pulis's men, on the other hand, have not managed to start the season the way they wanted, winning just one league game so far. However, the good news is that the Potters have been defeated just once - a 0-1 loss to leaders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Stoke have held Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool this term and lived up to their reputation as a difficult nut to crack.

History favours United in this fixture. The Red Devils have won all but one of eight meetings between the two clubs since Stoke returned to the Premier League. The Potters have not won any of their last 12 games at Old Trafford, losing 11. Their last triumph at the Theatre of Dreams came more than 36 years ago.

Team Form

Manchester United

  • Last Five (all competitions, most recent first): W W L W W
  • Last Result: Newcastle United 0 - 3 Manchester United

Stoke City

  • Last Five (all competitions, most recent first): D W L D D
  • Last result: Liverpool 0 - 0 Stoke City
Stoke City
Reuters

Team News

Manchester United: After an early-season crisis, Ferguson's injury list has shrunk after the international break. England international Ashley Young returns after recovering from a knee injury that kept him out of action for two months, but the Red Devils' worries at the back continue, as centre-backs Nemanja Vidic, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling remain sidelined, although the last is now nearing return. There is also speculation that goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard is carrying a knock and will miss the clash.

Stoke City: Michael Owen and Glenn Whelan will have late fitness tests going into this tie. Midfielder Whelan is rated 50-50 but Owen is expected to clear it as the striker prepares for a return to Old Trafford. Otherwise, Pulis has a full squad at his disposal for the trip to Manchester. Andy Wilkinson is available again after the defender completed a three-match suspension.

Possible Starting Line-ups

Manchester United (4-2-3-1): de Gea; Rafael, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra; Carrick, Scholes; Valencia, Rooney, Kagawa; van Persie

Stoke City (4-5-1): Begovic; Wilkinson, Shawcross, Huth, Wilson; Walters, N'Zonzi, Adam, Whitehead, Kightly; Crouch

Manchester United FC