Capital One Cup: Stoke City v Manchester United match preview

A look ahead to Wednesday night’s Capital One Cup quarter-final fixture at The Britannia Stadium

Wayne Rooney shoots for Manchester United in their win over Aston Villa (GETTY IMAGES)

Mark Hughes’ men will face Premier League champions Manchester United in this League Cup quarter final fixture. Hughes made over 450 appearances for United, and scored over 150 goals in the years he played for the club.

Stoke City come into this big fixture on the back of a three-game unbeaten streak, including a 3-2 win at home to Chelsea. The Britannia Stadium has often been regarded as a ‘fortress’, and their recent home form in the league would suggest this. The Potters have not lost at home since their defeat to Norwich City at the end of September.

David Moyes’ side have struggled to find consistency domestically this term; the Reds had experienced two back-to-back losses before last weekend. However, things could start to look bright for United if they can extend this cup run. A 3-0 victory against Aston Villa on Sunday, and qualification for the knock-out stages of the Champions League a few days earlier sees them heading into this cup quarter-final at a good time.

United thrashed Norwich City 4-0 at Old Trafford in the previous round of the cup, whereas Stoke endured a gruelling encounter with Birmingham City, having to go through the drama of a penalty shootout to progress to the next round.

KICK-OFF: Wednesday 18 December, 19.45 GMT.

PAST THREE MEETINGS:

Manchester United 3 Stoke City 2, Premier League, October 2013.

Stoke City 0 Manchester United 2, Premier League, April 2013.

Manchester United 4 Stoke City 2, Premier League, October 2012.

HEAD TO HEAD (All competitions):

Stoke City 26

Draws 32

Manchester United 40 wins

STATS:

Stoke City –

The Potters are currently in 13 position in the Premier League, hovering just 5 points above the drop zone.

Stoke have scored 9 goals in the Capital One Cup so far.

The last time Stoke City won the League Cup was back in 1972.

Manchester United –

United are currently experiencing their worst ever start to a Premier League, as they lie in 8 position, 10 points behind league leaders Arsenal.

They have eased their way into the Capital One Cup quarter final, beating Liverpool and Norwich, scoring 5 goals along the way.

Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie are United’s top scorers this season.

Manchester United have won the League Cup 3 times in the past decade.

ODDS:

Stoke City to win: 4.0

Draw: 3.4

Manchester United to win: 1.83

TV: Live on Sky Sports 1 HD at 7pm.