The Red Devils are targeting what would be a fourth win on the road in their last five against a Stoke team that are now just two places and three points above both West Ham and Fulham in the drop zone after a poor recent run of form.
Key Battles
There is no doubt that Hughes will be hoping to exploit the absence of United captain Nemanja Vidic this weekend, with the influential central defender suspended for the fixture following his recent red card at Chelsea.
And just how well the visitors’ relatively inexperienced back four are able to cope with the inevitable aerial and physical challenges that will come their way at the Britannia should decide whether they leave with just one or three points.
Where: The Britannia Stadium
When: Saturday, 1 February, 3 p.m. GMT
TV: Highlights, BBC ONE Match of the Day.Stoke (Possible, 4-5-1): Begovic; Cameron, Shawcross, Wilson, Pieters; Walters, Adam, Guidetti, Ireland, Arnautovic; Crouch.
Out: Etherington (calf), Huth (knee), N'Zonzi (suspended), Wilkinson (foot).
United (Possible, 4-2-3-1): De Gea; Rafael, Smalling, Evans, Evra; Jones, Fletcher; Valencia, Mata, Rooney; Van Persie.
Out: Ferdinand (knee), Nani (hamstring), Vidic (suspended).
Test: Carrick (ankle).
Referee: Neil Swarbrick. Matches: 12, R0 Y38.
Prediction: Stoke 1-1 United
More points dropped by the champions as the spoils are shared in this typically bruising affair.
Match Notes
Mark Hughes was one of the few former Manchester United players to enjoy success against Sir Alex Ferguson’s teams as a manager prior to the Scot’s retirement last year and how the Stoke boss could do with another victory against his old club today.
With Stoke mired in a relegation battle, Hughes will face a United side buoyed with confidence following the £37.1 million arrival of Juan Mata, so it could be a tall order for the hosts.
Stat of the game: Robin van Persie has scored nine goals in eight Premier League matches against Stoke.
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