Stoke City will be looking to gain some confidence following their disappointing defeat to Coventry City as they visit Old Trafford to face Manchester United on Monday night.
Stoke are currently managerless following the sacking of Mark Hughes last week. Currently 18th in the league table, the Potters could be in grave danger of further humiliation should they fail to snatch at least a point against the mighty Red Devils this week.
Manchester United, on the other hand, will also look to bounce back from their barren spell, during which they have won only two out of their last five matches. However, Stoke City are known for causing upsets in bigger matches, meaning Jose Mourinho’s men can’t take anything for granted when they lock horns with the Potters.
Here’s the predicted 4-3-3 Stoke City lineup to face the Red Devils this week.
Defence
Jack Butland will be the man between the sticks for the Potters. The English International has already conceded a whopping 40 goals in just 19 Premier League this season but will look to preserve his clean sheet against a defence oriented Manchester United side.
Stoke City will be decimated by the injuries to key defenders in Eric Pieters and Bruno Martins Indi as well as Ryan Shawcross, all of whom are doubtful to start against Manchester United, as per Metro’s Avinash Bhunjun.
New signing Moritz Bauer could start as the right back while interim boss Eddie Niedzwiecki is likely to go with Josh Tymon as the left back.
Kurt Zouma and Kevin Wimmer are expected, partner each other as the central defensive pairing for the visitors on Monday.
Midfield
Geoff Cameron has been the one and only reliable defensive midfielder for Stoke City. He is definitely expected to start in holding midfield.
While Stephen Ireland is out with a fractured leg, meaning Joe Allen is likely to partner alongside Charlie Adam in a slightly advanced midfield position.
Attack
It will be interesting to see Stoke’s attacking changes against Manchester United.
Saido Berahino might get the nod ahead of Mame Diouf and veteran striker Peter Crouch as the lone centre-forward while Schalke import Eric-Maxim Choupo Moting and Xherdan Shaqiri is expected to be deployed as the respective wingers.
However, Eddie Niedzwiecki will also have the option to go with Jese Rodriguez and Ramadan Sobhi should Stoke need any further attacking reinforcements.
Here is how they might line up:
