FA Premier League

Stoke City 1:1 Manchester United

Britannia Stadium

Kick-off
Thu, 1 January 2015 @ 12:45pm GMT
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    Any update on Di Maria or Herrera? Really need them to get something from this game.
     
    Di Maria should also come back for Stoke I think. Any news on Fellaini? :(
     
    1173383_Manchester_United.jpg
     
    uday said:
    No Carrick? :lol::nono:

    I think now that Smalling has had few minutes under his belt we will see back three of Evans-Smalling-Jones
    Click to expand...

    He's being rested.

    EDIT: Just seen Fellaini is crocked. Carrick is back in :D
     
    Mr.Kaya said:
    You really want a 3 backline with McNair and Evans when we have Rafael, Smalling and Shaw available, Mehool? And Carrick-Fellaini as a duo on midfield? That's just too slow without either Herrera or Di Maria around them. I hope we start with Rafa-Jones-Smalling-Shaw in defence, Evans and McNair hasn't impressed at all when they've played. Also, we need to start with a dynamic and creative midfield. Rooney will play a big role in this match. Falcao and Persie should both start at top again imo, and if one of them is having a bad day, Wilson could come on. I agree with what you say about Mata.
    Click to expand...

    The reason I say McNair instead of Smalling is that he looks comfortable bringing the ball out and playing simple passes without having to hoof it.

    Stoke are a very physical side still, even though Mark Hughes has bought his own style to it. Players like Shawcross will still need to be handled. Although - the above assumes that Di Maria won't be fit, if he is fit then this would change the way the team plays imo...
     
    Not sure how we will line up but could go back to a back 4 with Shaw and Rafael coming in:

    De Gea

    Rafael
    Jones
    Smalling
    Young

    Carrick
    Herrera
    Mata
    Rooney

    Falcao
    RVP

    We'll have difficulties against their height but if we attack and control possession it shouldn't be as much of a problem. Put away chances and get a decent scoreline, as we'll likely concede at some point in this match.
     
    I expect us to line up like this

    De Gea
    Rafael Jones Smalling Shaw
    Carrick
    Mata Rooney Young
    Falcao Van Persie
     
    Even should Herrera be available a 3-5-2 is disproportionately burdensome, particularly now. A system built around four at the back would not only represent a return to a formation for which the players are more accustomed, but also enables LVG to have a semblance of a cavalry on the bench [be it defenders or forwards]. Spurs was lesson enough that we must make better provision for the second half.

    If Valencia is fit all the better, for his physicality shall be of greater use in midfield against Stoke.

    God knows what sort of shape we'll be in versus Yeovil if the pack isn't shuffled a little.
     
    Last edited:
    De Gea
    Jones Smalling Evans
    Carrick
    Rafael Rooney Mata Young
    Falcao van Persie​

    Bringing in Smalling for his physical presence. Mcnair could get bullied a bit against Stoke and he looked really nervous yesterday. Rafael in for Valencia even though Rafa was disappointing yesterday he's better defensively than Tony V.
     
    Revan said:
    Hopefully:


    De Gea

    Rafael Jones Smalling Shaw

    Carrick

    Herrera Rooney

    Mata

    Van Persie Falcao​
    Click to expand...
    I put Herrera in. I think this would be a good team. It's a shame we don't have Fellaini for this. I'm far from his biggest fan but it's the type of game he's suited to, and useful for.
     
    Stoke have done well this season. Don't think we will win.
     
    Eric'sCollar said:
    Last place Di Maria should be playing at the moment.
    Click to expand...

    Agree 100%.
    This is not the place to use an expensive dribbler.
    This is exactly the place were we need to use strong/physical players.
    If Di Maria starts this game, I can't see him not getting injured.
     
    My Line up if Herrera makes it is:
    ------------DDG
    -Rafael Smalling Evans Shaw
    ---- Herrera Carrick-Young
    -------------Mata
    ---------Rooney-- RVP
     
    Wish blind was fit so we could give carrick a rest.
    Hopefully di Maria's fit or januzaj.
    Falcao and robin need a rest.
    Mata doesn't deserved to be dropped, neither does young.

    So my team would be.....

    De gea

    Rafa
    Smalling
    Jones
    Shaw

    Di maria/januzaj*
    Carrick
    Herrera
    Young

    Mata
    Rooney

    4-2-3-1
     
    LVG say that Herrera is back, but I think he won't star the game because LVG likes their player to get fit first, so he will probably be on the bench.

    If Herrera doesn't start I will like to see this.

    DDG

    Rafael Jones Smalling Shaw

    Carrick
    Mata Rooney Young

    RVP Falcao
    ​
    If Herrera start I will put Young as a LB and put Herrera in midfield. I rate Shaw higher as a LB over Young, but Shaw is coming back from an injury and needs to get match fit first, and Young have done a good job as a wingback and I think he can do it to as LB.
     
    ElectroManiac said:
    LVG say that Herrera is back, but I think he wont star the game.

    If Herrera doesn't start I will like to see this.

    DDG

    Rafael Jones Smalling Shaw

    Carrick
    Mata Rooney Young

    RVP Falcao
    ​
    If Herrera start I will put Young as a LB and put Herrera in midfield. I rate Shaw higher as a LB over Young, but Shaw is coming back from an injury and needs to get match fit first, and Young have done a good job as a wingback and I think he can do it to as LB.
    Click to expand...
    I would be more tempted to have Herrera on the bench, He will likely get a full run out against Yeovil. He can come on if LvG feels we are having problems like he has done with him recently.
     
    DomesticTadpole said:
    I would be more tempted to have Herrera on the bench, He will likely get a full run out against Yeovil. He can come on if LvG feels we are having problems like he has done with him recently.
    Click to expand...

    Yeah I think LVG won't star him. In fact if Valencia can play I will say he wont star Rafael and Shaw to, but with out Valencia, Rafael will probably play. Maybe Evans will play instead of Shaw to. I prefer a back 4 instead of 3, so my preference will be Shaw over Evans.

    Rafael, Shaw and Herrera will definitely star again Yeovil to get them match fit.
     
    Tom Van Persie said:
    De Gea
    Jones Smalling Evans
    Carrick
    Rafael Rooney Mata Young
    Falcao van Persie​

    Bringing in Smalling for his physical presence. Mcnair could get bullied a bit against Stoke and he looked really nervous yesterday. Rafael in for Valencia even though Rafa was disappointing yesterday he's better defensively than Tony V.
    Click to expand...

    Looks good to me if it's going to be three at the back with Lindegaard, McNair, Shaw, Herrera, DiMaria, Fletcher, Wilson on the bench.(depending on injuries)

    Rafael is the better defender and also carries the ball out of the back creating good attacking moves. I'd like to see Shaw at left back but Young has been good so far. It would be hard not to pick him.

    I am expecting better finishing from the strikers than we saw against Spurs. Di Maria, Herrera and Wilson to get in some minutes depending how the game goes.
     
    pseudo_canadian said:
    A back four and a healthy Fellaini - because we'll certainly need him in this game - is all I ask.
    Click to expand...
    Think that would be true if it was the old Stoke. Hughes has Stoke playing differently. They do not have the aggression or steel of Stoke under Pullis.

    I think this game will be a lot more comfortable than people are saying. Stoke will try and play their game, rather than stop United playing.

    I would think that Falcao probably needs a rest, just to make sure he does not damage his old injury. He will probably play in the FA Cup, as will Wilson. So Rooney up top with RVP.

    Not really a game for Di Maria, so I would expect Carrick, Valencia (if fit), Herrera, Mata to be the middle.

    I think Evans and McNair may be rested, to give Shaw, Rafael and Smalling some game time.

    Even with my blinkers off, that is too strong for Stoke.
     
    SalfordRed1960 said:
    Think that would be true if it was the old Stoke. Hughes has Stoke playing differently. They do not have the aggression or steel of Stoke under Pullis.

    I think this game will be a lot more comfortable than people are saying. Stoke will try and play their game, rather than stop United playing.

    I would think that Falcao probably needs a rest, just to make sure he does not damage his old injury. He will probably play in the FA Cup, as will Wilson. So Rooney up top with RVP.

    Not really a game for Di Maria, so I would expect Carrick, Valencia (if fit), Herrera, Mata to be the middle.

    I think Evans and McNair may be rested, to give Shaw, Rafael and Smalling some game time.

    Even with my blinkers off, that is too strong for Stoke.
    Click to expand...

    They might not be quite as odious a long ball outfit, but any team that still has Shawcross, Whelan, Crouch, Walters and a few others are never going to be dainty.

    Smalling is a certainty to start for that reason, and if there's even a chance Fellaini is playable, he'd be straight in.
     
    Football being what it is, i must suppose it likely that Diouf will bag himself a goal.

    After having just taken a cursory look it would appear that Hughes made two changes between the Boxing Day match and the one on the 28th.
     
    Playing away to stoke is always tough, Hopefully we can lump it up the field and try to nick a goal, If we get a goal in front we can shut down the game and park the bus for the rest of the match.
     
    Not going to lie to you, that Tottenham result hurt, the amount of chances, the running out of steam, the fact both Chelsea and City dropped points while most of our top 4 rivals gained points.

    Would love a response here but the lads looked knackered, Stoke isn't an easy place to go to at the best of times, and we have too many injuries (again) so i am mentally preparing myself for the worst. Really could have done with Fellaini being back for this one.
     
    He Comes From Serbia said:
    Not going to lie to you, that Tottenham result hurt, the amount of chances, the running out of steam, the fact both Chelsea and City dropped points while most of our top 4 rivals gained points.

    Would love a response here but the lads looked knackered, Stoke isn't an easy place to go to at the best of times, and we have too many injuries (again) so i am mentally preparing myself for the worst. Really could have done with Fellaini being back for this one.
    Click to expand...
    Arsenal and???
     
    I don't think Van Gaal will Di Maria by him starting him here, maybe a 15 minute stint off the bench if he's trained a bit. Here's my lineup prediction (not what I necessarily would like to see):

    De Gea
    McNair -- Jones -- Evans
    Rafael --------------------- Young
    Rooney -- Carrick
    Mata
    Falcao -- Van Persie​

    I would prefer to see a back 4 and Herrera back in, but we've actually been getting good performances with the back 3, not sure Van Gaal would ditch it for Rafael and Shaw right.

    We go behind just before half time but rally with goals from Van Persie and Mata to win 2-1.
     
    Yeah I also think it will be a back 3 again. Shaw just come back from an injury, and I think he will play but later on the game. He will definitely be back as a starter when he is fit enough though. Rafael will play because Valencia got injured. Hopefully Rafael can get fit enough for this game because he looks a little bit rusty on the last two games.
     
    Can't see many changes, can't see our players returning from injury thrown in the side against a physical Stoke side, that's another injury waiting to happen.

    Perhaps Smalling if any to add a bit more solidity in place of Evans.
     
    Another early kick-off, away match. I don't feel too optimistic, we're likely gonna drop 2 or 3 points.
     
    You could say this should apply to every other Premier League side, seeing as they will have endured the rigours of fixture congestion over the festive period after next week just like us, but I think the Spurs game took it's toll on us toward the end of the match and I think we will really struggle against Stoke.

    An away fixture at the Brittania isn't the ideal match to conclude a busy Premier League period and I think the physicality and fitness of the Stoke team - especially on their own patch - could be a mismatch for us, particularly with our sparcity of midfield options and with barely any aggression with both Fellaini and Herrera out. Of course we are pretty shit away from home too, so that has to be taken into consideration.

    I'll go Stoke 2-1 United.
     
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Man of the Match

Radamel Falcao image Radamel Falcao 56% of 634 votes

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5.6 Total Average Rating

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Score Predictions

405,38,54
  • Man Utd win
  • Stoke win
  • Draw

Detailed Results

  • 27% Stoke 1:2 Man Utd
  • 20% Stoke 0:2 Man Utd
  • 12% Stoke 1:3 Man Utd
  • 8% Stoke 0:1 Man Utd
  • 8% Stoke 1:1 Man Utd
  • 7% Stoke 0:3 Man Utd
  • 4% Stoke 2:1 Man Utd
  • 2% Stoke 0:0 Man Utd
  • 2% Stoke 0:4 Man Utd
  • 1% Stoke 2:3 Man Utd
  • 1% Stoke 0:5 Man Utd
  • 1% Stoke 1:4 Man Utd
  • 1% Stoke 2:0 Man Utd
  • 1% Stoke 2:2 Man Utd
  • 1% Stoke 3:1 Man Utd
  • 1% Stoke 3:0 Man Utd
  • 1% Stoke 1:0 Man Utd
  • 0% Stoke 5:5 Man Utd
  • 0% Stoke 2:5 Man Utd
  • 0% Stoke 3:3 Man Utd
  • 0% Stoke 4:0 Man Utd
  • 0% Stoke 5:0 Man Utd
  • 0% Stoke 2:4 Man Utd
  • 0% Stoke 1:5 Man Utd
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Match Stats

  1. Stoke
  2. Man Utd
Possession
34% 66%
Shots
11 6
Shots on Target
2 2
Corners
11 7
Fouls
8 12

Referee

Michael Oliver

Man Utd Lineup

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