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22/09/2011 16:40 - ManUtd.com, Adam Marshall
Stoke v United
United hope to make it four wins from four visits to*the Britannia Stadium...
Form Guide
United are aiming to extend a perfect record in the Barclays Premier League after last weekend's 3-1 triumph against Chelsea. Stoke are in fifth place after a promising start ended with a 4-0 hammering at Sunderland. The fact Tony Pulis' Potters had previously been on a draining trip to Dynamo Kiev (1-1) may at least partly explain that Stadium of Light setback; this week's midweek exertions led to a penalty shoot-out victory over Spurs, at home in the Carling Cup.
Ins and Outs
Danny Welbeck is fit again for United fter a hamstring problem but Javier Hernandez is a doubt. Chris Smalling could miss out with a groin strain and Nemanja Vidic, Rafael and Darron Gibson are still likely to be sidelined. Sir Alex Ferguson has told ManUtd.com that Rio Ferdinand could be set to start. Stoke must wait for an update on forward Ricardo Fuller's fitness after an Achilles injury while defender Danny Higginbotham misses out on the chance to play against his former club. Kenwyne Jones picked up a knock in the Carling Cup tie against Spurs.
Last Meeting
The Reds were pushed all the way by Stoke at Old Trafford on 4 January 2011, but completed*a league*double over them by repeating the 2-1 triumph at the Britannia Stadium. Javier Hernandez made it three goals in two games against the Potters with a cheeky backheel, only for Dean Whitehead to level matters early in the second half. Nani cut in to bury a spectacular left-footed drive to swing things back in United's favour just past the hour mark.
Top Man
Former United trialist Matthew Etherington is a classic example of why the portrayal of Stoke as a long-ball side is unfair. The winger is a class act who always causes problems for opposing full-backs and is maturing into a main player for Pulis' men. With Peter Crouch an obvious target in the middle, the brief will be for Etherington to supply plenty of crosses and put the champions under pressure.
Quote/unquote
"Stoke beat Liverpool and drew with Chelsea. They're making a big impact and are playing European football now. There's always room for teams to progress in this league and I see Stoke becoming quite an important side." - Sir Alex Ferguson.
Any sub-plots?
The Potters' fans will be wound up for the big clash against United and it promises to be a hostile atmosphere at a noisy Britannia Stadium. After quietening another intimidating crowd at Elland Road in midweek, the aim will be to do likewise at Stoke. No doubt a few pressmen will sharpen their pens at the prospect of*a possible aerial bombardment for David De Gea from Rory Delap's famed long throw-ins.
Whistle Blower
Peter Walton is the man in the middle. Previous United matches officiated by the Northamptonshire-based referee include last season's wins at home to Everton (1-0) and the action-packed away trips to Fulham (2-2) and Blackpool (3-2).
Rivals Watch
City kick off the Barclays Premier League weekend with a home game against Everton at lunchtime on Saturday. Chelsea are also in action before United play, entertaining Swansea at 3pm while Liverpool face Wolves and Spurs are at Wigan. Arsenal tackle Bolton as the Gunners look to move up the table.
