Here we are the big one, Manchester United travel to the Britannia on this Sunday afternoon in bad form and with their key player 'out of it'. The Potters have a chance to take down the red devils and it's probably the best chance they've had since promotion. Although the match is a talking point for both sides, the match will probably revolve around one player, Mr. Rooney.
The last three results don't look kind in the eyes of a potter, but things could be different this time. The last game of the season last term ended 4-0 to United, but the result didn't matter to either team, as Chelsea won the title on that day. The game before ended 2-0, again to United, and the game before ended, yes, you guessed it, a win to Manchester United but this time 1-0. Stoke come out a little disappointed after losing to a last minute goal versus Bolton, but not as gutted as the United team, who drew 2-2 with West Brom after being two nil ahead, something Stoke should look at as an inspiration.
Tony Pulis' agenda will of course be to 'take out' the United stars. "Snap his shin Ryan." I heard Pulis shout in training, "Remember lads, studs above the hips." was another. In all seriousness though, the agenda will more than likely not to concede, rather than to grab a goal. Expect a solid and structured shape in the team, Walters the 'aard worker upfront, and the infamous cage in the middle. More of the same within the team selection but then again, it hasn't done us wrong recently.
Now to get the thoughts of fans on this game, what do they think? Andy Hearn, a Stoke City season ticket holder believes Stoke can get a draw but only if they score first.
"I think Stoke have a good chance, but only if they score first, which is rarely the case. If Man Utd score first, I’d back Stoke to get a draw, but in all fairness United are the favourites. Stoke aren't doing badly and we have a good chance."
Liverpool die-hard, Craig Doughty comments on the fact United have "no spirit.".
"I think Stoke will get at worst a draw. I can't see United turning you over; I don't think the fight is there at present. And Stoke are now a well-oiled, well drilled, and robust outfit. There won't be too many teams that go to the Britannia and win. I mean, in hindsight, Tottenham should have left with nothing some weeks back. It's an interesting proposition."
It sure is Mr. Doughty. An intriguing one at that.
Team news now and United are without a number of players; Michael Owen is missing through a hamstring problem, as is Ryan Giggs but he should recover. Jonny Evans is nursing a hip injury but the same applies, he should recover. A more serious injury to Antonio Valencia as the wide-man fractured his ankle versus Rangers in the Champions League. No suspensions although Fergie might have his own ban on star striker Wayne Rooney after the England international admitted he wants a move out of the club, claiming they had no ambition. I agree.
Stoke will miss midfielder Dean Whitehead through suspension, and talisman Ricardo Fuller due to the strikers ongoing shoulder problems. Thomas Sorenson should make the game but with an aggravating elbow injury that has lasted some time, Begovic could be preferred. Mali striker Mamady Sidibe is still out after his injury in August puts him out till Christmas.
My own prediction: Stoke City 2 - 1 Manchester United. United score in the 4th minute after a goal from Javier Hernandez, which leaves the media in a jizzfest about the next big thing, until defender Ryan Shawcross heads home a Delap throw in the 60th minute. After a smart substitution Marc Wilson nails home his first goal for the Potters from 25 yards in the 87th minute to give Stoke a huge win over the Red Devils.
Predicted Teams:
Stoke City XI (Sorenson; Huth, Shawcross, Faye, Collins; Pennant, Delap, Whelan, Etherington; Walters, Jones.)
Manchester Utd XI (Van Der Sar; Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Nani, Fletcher, Carrick, Park; Berbatov, Hernandez.)
Stoke will be up for this one, anything could happen, and I think we'll grab it.
Goooarn you rip roaring Potters.
Ryan Summerfield, @RSummers7
The last three results don't look kind in the eyes of a potter, but things could be different this time. The last game of the season last term ended 4-0 to United, but the result didn't matter to either team, as Chelsea won the title on that day. The game before ended 2-0, again to United, and the game before ended, yes, you guessed it, a win to Manchester United but this time 1-0. Stoke come out a little disappointed after losing to a last minute goal versus Bolton, but not as gutted as the United team, who drew 2-2 with West Brom after being two nil ahead, something Stoke should look at as an inspiration.
Tony Pulis' agenda will of course be to 'take out' the United stars. "Snap his shin Ryan." I heard Pulis shout in training, "Remember lads, studs above the hips." was another. In all seriousness though, the agenda will more than likely not to concede, rather than to grab a goal. Expect a solid and structured shape in the team, Walters the 'aard worker upfront, and the infamous cage in the middle. More of the same within the team selection but then again, it hasn't done us wrong recently.
Now to get the thoughts of fans on this game, what do they think? Andy Hearn, a Stoke City season ticket holder believes Stoke can get a draw but only if they score first.
"I think Stoke have a good chance, but only if they score first, which is rarely the case. If Man Utd score first, I’d back Stoke to get a draw, but in all fairness United are the favourites. Stoke aren't doing badly and we have a good chance."
Liverpool die-hard, Craig Doughty comments on the fact United have "no spirit.".
"I think Stoke will get at worst a draw. I can't see United turning you over; I don't think the fight is there at present. And Stoke are now a well-oiled, well drilled, and robust outfit. There won't be too many teams that go to the Britannia and win. I mean, in hindsight, Tottenham should have left with nothing some weeks back. It's an interesting proposition."
It sure is Mr. Doughty. An intriguing one at that.
Team news now and United are without a number of players; Michael Owen is missing through a hamstring problem, as is Ryan Giggs but he should recover. Jonny Evans is nursing a hip injury but the same applies, he should recover. A more serious injury to Antonio Valencia as the wide-man fractured his ankle versus Rangers in the Champions League. No suspensions although Fergie might have his own ban on star striker Wayne Rooney after the England international admitted he wants a move out of the club, claiming they had no ambition. I agree.
Stoke will miss midfielder Dean Whitehead through suspension, and talisman Ricardo Fuller due to the strikers ongoing shoulder problems. Thomas Sorenson should make the game but with an aggravating elbow injury that has lasted some time, Begovic could be preferred. Mali striker Mamady Sidibe is still out after his injury in August puts him out till Christmas.
My own prediction: Stoke City 2 - 1 Manchester United. United score in the 4th minute after a goal from Javier Hernandez, which leaves the media in a jizzfest about the next big thing, until defender Ryan Shawcross heads home a Delap throw in the 60th minute. After a smart substitution Marc Wilson nails home his first goal for the Potters from 25 yards in the 87th minute to give Stoke a huge win over the Red Devils.
Predicted Teams:
Stoke City XI (Sorenson; Huth, Shawcross, Faye, Collins; Pennant, Delap, Whelan, Etherington; Walters, Jones.)
Manchester Utd XI (Van Der Sar; Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Nani, Fletcher, Carrick, Park; Berbatov, Hernandez.)
Stoke will be up for this one, anything could happen, and I think we'll grab it.
Goooarn you rip roaring Potters.
Ryan Summerfield, @RSummers7