Premier League: Manchester United v Stoke City match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at Old Trafford

Saad Noor
Friday 19 October 2012 16:56 BST
Comments
Robin van Persie had a poor experience on his United debut
Robin van Persie had a poor experience on his United debut

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Stoke sit in a respectable 12th position considering their opening six fixtures featured games against Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool. Sadly for Tony Pulis’ side it doesn’t get any easier as they visit Old Trafford on Saturday to play a Manchester United side aiming to claw back the five-point advantage held by Chelsea at the top of the table.

Despite only winning one of their seven league games this season, Stoke are the draw masters managing four whilst only league-leaders Chelsea have a better defensive record than the Potters as they have only seen five goals go past Asmir Begovic this term.

It may be a different story on Saturday though, as both Robin van Persie and Javier Hernandez boast fruitful records against Stoke. Chicharito has scored four goals in four games against them whilst Van Persie has netted six goals in five appearances against the Potters during his time at Arsenal.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Manchester United 2 (Chicharito, Berbatov) Stoke 0, Premier League, January 2012

Stoke 1 (Crouch) Manchester United 1 (Nani), Premier League, September 2011

Manchester United 2 (Chicharito, Nani) Stoke 1 (Whitehead), Premier League, January 2011

STATS...

Manchester United have managed to save nine points from losing positions so far this season, more than any other team in the Premier League.

Stoke have not won at Old Trafford in 36 years, their last victory coming back in April 1976.

With five goals, the Red Devils have scored more from corners than any other side while 67 per cent of Stoke’s league goals this season have come from set-pieces.

ODDS...

Manchester United to win: 1.28

Stoke to win: 10.5

Draw: 5.25

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.30pm

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in