'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAoAAAAGCAMAAAG6Kc9iAAAArlBMVEUuPhKpkXYuLjQoQiIsPhACAA7vdBwAAABAZjoqRCIkQiIgMAguLDSJIhzhn17fn16fcHDFwaOrq2wuQBI0IiJyhWQKAAoCAAoAAArFpaPdqbWBj3I8OD4CBAwKDA4+YDybm1QEAAYMMgAeGBxykbEkIiQEBBiBl60gMgbzqbG5i4nZfJHXl3ACABL5egDXlXDxu8GNWFgAAAKxl3w8NDqPfCi3u4/JaioIAAggMgI0bi9ZAAAACXBIWXMAAAsTAAALEwEAmpwYAAAATUlEQVQImQXBBQKCAAAEsAMJ6ZDuku7m/x9jw0DDQvw14bC4CiyM2rSw03st0U/uLGEj/CpDKBpk9A/2nEUij4qudd55QOD4Tw3qh+cF6McGfYt+BHIAAAAASUVORK5CYII='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Manchester United play their second home game in less than four days, when they entertain Stoke City at Old Trafford on Tuesday. United put in one of their most-convincing performances this season when they thrashed Hull City 3-0 on Saturday. Stoke City, on the other hand, were late losers against Liverpool as they succumbed to their sixth defeat of the season.
Mark Hughes’s side have managed to keep just one clean sheet in their last ten Premier League matches. The fact that Stoke City have never managed to beat Manchester United at Old Trafford, clearly goes to show, which team has been dominant over the other. A win over Stoke City will take Louis van Gaal’s side to within touching distance of Southampton (who play Arsenal at the Emirates). Provided Southampton drop points at the Emirates, it could mean that a victory at St.Mary’s will put United into third.
Venue and Kickoff
Old Trafford in Manchester will host this match. United are looking to make OT a fortress again after their disastrous last season, and so far, they are unbeaten in their last six Premier League matches at home.
Kickoff: 3 December – 01:15 AM IST
Probable Line-ups
British record signing Angel Di Maria has been ruled out of the match after he picked up a hamstring injury against Hull City. There are further doubts over Wayne Rooney’s fitness as he suffered a couple of knocks on Saturday, but fortunately for United fans, he has ruled himself fit for Tuesday night’s match. The Manchester United skipper has been in excellent form lately and it would be a huge boost to the fans if he is able to make the team against Stoke.
Rafael took to Instagram, where he ruled himself fit and ready to train with the first team. On the other hand, the early return of Marcos Rojo and Radamel Falcao has given the home team some welcome relief.
Stoke City manager could be without Steve Sidwell, Glenn Whelan, Victor Moses, Dionatan Teixeira, Robert Huth and Peter Odemwingie. Hopefully for Stoke, Phil Bardsley might just make it for the trip to Manchester as he recovers from an illness.
Key Battles
Wayne Rooney vs Ryan Shawcross
The Manchester United skipper has been in sizzling form over the last couple of weeks and it would be no surprise to see see him carry that red-hot form through on Tuesday as well. Ryan Shawcross and co. will have their work cut out trying to keep Rooney quiet. His winner versus Arsenal and his beautiful strike from 20 yards out against Hull City reflect the kind of form he’s in.
Robin van Persie vs Marc Wilson
Robin van Persie faces stiff competition from Radamel Falcao as the returning Colombian has been declared fit to play. His stunning strike against Hull City on Saturday just reminded us all that even in the worst of form, his left foot works like magic. On song, he’s one of the most lethal strikers in world football. The Stoke defence are in for a busy evening ahead of them.
Antonio Valencia vs Marko Arnautovi?
Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young are expected to fill the full-back roles for Manchester United. With both the wingers still trying to adapt to life in the defensive role, Stoke City will look to take advantage of this situation and possibly hit them on the counter. Arnautovic and Walters can cause nuisance down the wings if United fail to mark them.
Prediction:
Manchester United 3–0 Stoke City
