Manchester United struggled to a 1-0 win over Zorya on Thursday, which has killed some of the momentum gained from their 4-1 win over Leicester in the league last weekend. Jose Mourinho will want to finish on a high before the international break.
Stoke managed to stop the bleeding last time out but still only managed a 1-1 draw with West Brom. The absence of Jack Butland is really being felt between the sticks, although Xherdan Shaqiri’s return should improve their play going forward.
United haven’t lost at home to Stoke since 1976. They’ve won 15 of the resulting 16 matches at Old Trafford since then and Mourinho will not accept anything else other than three points.
They cannot afford to fall further behind their title rivals before the second international break of the season and should overcome a Stoke side short on confidence.
Manchester United – Wayne Rooney overcame a back problem to feature off the bench in Thursday’s 1-0 win over Zorya in the Europa League. Anthony Martial also made his first appearance after missing their last two matches through injury. Luke Shaw is suffering from illness and may miss out here.
David De Gea, Daley Blind, Ander Herrera and Antonio Valencia were given the night off and are expected to return to the starting XI on Thursday.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan is also pushing for a return to the United first-team having missed their last five matches but he may not be risked until after the international despite returning to training earlier this week.
Stoke – Shay Given has lost his spot between the sticks to 33-year-old Lee Grant. It cannot be underestimated how badly they need Jack Butland back.
Match Fact
Man Utd have won their last eight home matches against Stoke in all competitions.
Man Utd have won 9 of their last 11 Premier League home matches.
Man Utd have scored at least two goals in their last 8 home matches against Stoke in all competitions.
Man Utd have been winning at both half time and full time in 5 of their last seven Premier League home matches.
Man United have seen over 2.5 goals in 7 of their last 8 home matches against Stoke in all competitions.
Stoke have lost 5 of their last 6 away matches in Premier League.
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Man Utd‘s last 3 games (Premier League).
NaijaBet Odds
As at this post Manchester United has 1.31 odd to win the match on NaijaBet while Stoke City has 9.o0 odd to win the match also, while the odd to draw the match is 5.11
