Match Preview :

After going out of the FA Cup to Liverpool, The Red Devils will aim to bounce back when they welcome Stoke to the Theatre of Dreams and close the gap to Manchester City.

After the late winner by Dirk Kuyt on Saturday, United are now just left with the Premier League and the Europa League left this season and Sir Alex Ferguson will be determined not to lose further ground on leaders Manchester City.

Stoke on the other hand progressed further in the FA Cup after beating Derby County 2-0 away from home and Tony Pulis' side also have the resumption of their Europa League campaign to look forward to next month.

However, worryingly for Stoke, they have yet to beat United since winning promotion to the Premier League and have scored only once in their last seven visits to Old Trafford.

Team News :

Manchester United Team News :
United boss Ferguson is facing a big dilemma regarding his goalkeeper De Gea and could replace him after a shaky performance against Liverpool in the FA Cup. However, reports in the Tuesday papers claim Lindegaard suffered an ankle injury in training, which could lead to De Gea starting again.

De Gea coped reasonably well with Stoke's aerial bombardment during the 1-1 draw at the Britannia Stadium back in September and will hope to keep a clean sheet this time.

Rio Ferdinand could return to add his experience to United's defence after only being a substitute at Liverpool following a recent back complaint, while captain Nemanja Vidic misses out still.

However, Wayne Rooney, Nani and Phil Jones are also expected to still be missing for the Red Devils, along with Anderson, Tom Cleverley, Ashley Young and Darren Fletcher.

Stoke Team News :
Their only concern is Matthew Etherington after he was forced to come off in the Derby win. The winger had picked up a groin injury and Jermaine Pennant is on stand-by for his first start of 2012 if Pulis decides not to gamble on taking a chance on Etherington.

Mamady Sidibe (knee) is a long-term absentee but apart from those two manager Pulis has virtually a full squad to choose from.

Possible lineups

Manchester United : De Gea; Smalling, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra; Valencia, Carrick, Giggs, Park; Welbeck, Hernandez.

Stoke Sorensen; Huth, Woodgate, Shawcross, Wilson; Shotton, Whelan, Delap, Pennant; Walters, Crouch.

Predictions

Go for Manchester United to get the win and restore confidence after the FA Cup elimination to Liverpool.

The Statistics :

The Pick :

Manchester United 2-0 Stoke

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Manchester United to win.

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take Manchester United to overcome the -1 1/2 ball AH at 2.05 with Pinnacle Sports and give a better performances after the FA Cup exit to Liverpool