The Reds host http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Tony-c35440 Pulis’ men at Old Trafford on Saturday as the Premiership finally returns after a two-week layoff.
Manchester United:
Sir Alex Ferguson will have been delighted with his side’s performance against Newcastle United last time out, in which they managed to contain a resilient Magpies’ midfield and came away with three points in a dominating win.
The 19-time English champions have improved as time goes on and with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786 the only side above them in the League, they will come out in their own backyard raring to go.
Stoke City:
The Potters have enjoyed a mix start to the season so far, managing to churn out crucial wins against clubs such as Swansea, although draws have been their consistent end result.
Having held http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Liverpool-c39809 to a fireless blank, Pulis’ troops will be eager to conduct a hit and grab raid in Manchester, something which should be aided by their strong attacking line-up.
Team News:
Manchester United:
Fergie will be relishing the chance to name his most attack minded team, as a host of players are expected to be back for this one.
Ashley Young’s presence has been confirmed by Sir http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chris-c9006 Smalling could be in contention for game time after shrugging off his injury woes.
However, the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/England-c749 International will require a late fitness examination before his role can be written in stone as his metatarsal prevented him from training properly in the last few months.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Phil-Jones-c29903 are still amongst the casualties, although the rest of the squad is fit and raring to go.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Patrice-Evra-c29231 and Rafael
continue their good work on the flanks.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Paul-Scholes-c29394, who has had a well-earned rest unlike the rest of his fellow countrymen.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Nani-c27299, despite his inconsistency, will take to his normal role on the left-hand side.
Wayne Rooney and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Andy-Wilkinson-c6057 claims that his side are not afraid to stand toe-to-toe with their illustrious opponents.
"You dream of playing at places like that [Old Trafford], but once you get out there you have to get on and do your best. This club has come so far in the last five years it's unbelievable, with the players we've got here. We shouldn't be afraid to go anywhere,
and teams should be afraid of us,” said the right-back.
"It's never going to be easy to go to the big clubs, but the gaffer gets us really well organised. We are always hard to play against, because we give everything we've got."
Stoke City:
The Britannia Stadium giants travel to Manchester with a full squad and amongst the notable names is Michael Owen, the former England striker who departed United this summer.
With a start beckoning for the talented forward alongside http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Peter-Crouch-c29741, this could provide an intriguing backdrop to the match, although Owen can expect a hero’s welcome tomorrow.
Key Players:
Manchester United: http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Wayne-Rooney-c36736
After enduring a mixed week with England, Rooney has the chance and stage to show the rest of the country what he can do on the field, and considering his recent form, goals could be on the card for the ex-Everton starlet.
Stoke City: http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Michael-Owen-c25355
Owen will face his former teammates for the first time and considering his exploits with the Red Devils, the spotlight will surely be on the veteran for this one.
Author Prediction:
Manchester United 2:0 Stoke City
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