For the first time this season, Manchester United took their third consecutive victory last weekend as the team welcomed Hull City and crushed them with a 3:0 result. From the first till last minute, it was obvious that the players from Manchester were much better, simply outplayed opponent and had one of better performances this season.
Smalling, Rooney and van Persie scored their goals for a victory that pushed the team to fourth position as it now seems that obtaining a Champions League ticket might be reality for them, in case the team builds up on this result and continues with positive performances. Wayne Rooney and Jonny Evans are doubtful, but with every chance to be able to play. Angel Di Maria limped off against Hull and might not be risked here, while Falcao looks sure to start upfront after his great performance in the same game. Coach Louis van Gaal continues to be without Rafael, Daley Blind, Phil Jones and James Wilson, most of them counting as long term absentees.
Stoke City comes from a narrow 1:0 defeat away from home against Liverpool last weekend, even though the team defended well for the most of the game. Only goal was scored in 85th minute by Johnson, while the team actually shared impressions and no doubt that the draw would have been much more fairer result.
Even though their mid table position is fine at the moment, the club’s management would surely like to be more far from the relegation battle, as Stoke currently has only four points more than relegation worried sides. No doubt that they will try to get something here, but the tradition is not working for them at Old Trafford as they have lost quite easily all previous six meetings. Defensive midfielder Gleen Whelan (8/0) returned in previous match, but again picked up an injury and will sit out this one. Other defensive midfielder Steve Sidwell (6/0) also won’t play, as well as forward Peter Odemwingie, central defender Robert Huth and important offensive midfielder Victor Moses who are all injured.
It looks like Manchester United is slowly starting to look like a team and are playing more reliable football in recent
weeks. Stoke is far away from a force away from home and might easily lose their competitiveness during the match in
case one of United offensive players gets close to his full potential.
Bet: Manchester Utd -1.25
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