Manchester United will look to settle scores when they cross paths with Stoke City at the Bet 365 Stadium on Saturday. The Potters did not actually manage to beat United but despite being overwhelmingly dominant, the hosts still failed to get the 2nd goal which would have given them the win. The draw was one of the many stalemates which pegged United back in the mid-stages and the reason why even after their tremendous recent form, they still find themselves in the 6th spot, 2 points off the struggling Manchester City.
While the draw against Liverpool last weekend ended their 6-match winning streak, it did prolong their unbeaten streak to 12 matches in the Premier League. Jose Mourinho seems to have finally got his tactics together and the most important change has been the 3-man midfield which has allowed Pogba to express himself and has lent the requisite balance in the midfield with Herrera and Carrick doing a fine job with their defensive discipline and short passing ticking the game over and allowing the more creative players the freedom to walk the talk up front.
Stoke will probably look to shut up shop once again and look to continue their 2-match winning streak which has come as a huge relief for Mark Hughes.
PREDICTED MANCHESTER UNITED XI VS STOKE CITY (4-3-3)
DEFENCE
David De Gea will be in goal and look to play a decisive role in his team’s achievements. He might have a quieter afternoon but it makes the job a little bit more difficult if he has to go long stretches without being involved. Concentration will be key. Valencia will be at right-back once again and will look to spend a majority of the match in the opponent’s half. With Bailly absent, Jones and Rojo are likely to continue as the centre-back pairing which means Smalling will be on the bench again. Darmian is likely to be at left-back.
MIDFIELD
The usual suspects in the midfield 3 are likely to line-up once again. Carrick will be the deep lying one with Pogba and Herrera on either side of him in advanced areas. Pogba will look to get a move on as far as his end product is concerned.
ATTACK
Jose Mourinho prefers going in with a settled team which might see Martial playing on the left flank once again with Mkhitaryan on the right. He has Lingard and Mata as options, though. Ibrahimovic will be the lone striker and will look to put away the chances that he gets.
