Stoke v Manchester United Match Preview, 26th September

Henry Kibirige is back to preview today’s game between Stoke and Manchester United at the Britannia Stadium. Henry Kibirige www.manunitedview.co.uk

Manchester United are looking for an away win at Stoke

Stoke are turning into the new Bolton during Sam Allardyce’s era. They’re that team who despite not having the most gifted players, they still manage to make the game very difficult for the opponent when on home soil. Getting a draw at the Brittania stadium is now a “decent result”, however with the goal scoring form Manchester United are in, a win will definitely be on Fergie’s agenda.

On the pitch, Stoke have tall, strong and quick players who will hassle the best of midfields into mistakes. The BBC claimed that the Stoke fans last year were another important reason as to why Stoke stayed in the league. They went as far as labeling them “the best supporters in the league.” The BBC failed to realise that the size of the Brittania stadium means that they have an advantage over other teams. With the ground being so small and stands being close to the pitch, the acoustics are very good, which means that an atmosphere can be easily generated and maintained.

Manchester United match going supporters would have first hand evidence to show that the Stoke fans really aren’t the best at all. When they visited Old Trafford, the only songs coming out of the away end was the usual small time “You’re not from Manchester”, “shall we sing a song for you etc… with very little being sang about the team they’re meant to be supporting. These are meant to be Stoke’s hardcore away support as well.

Away from home, Manchester United‘s support is regarded as one of the best by fans up and down the country. Everton and Spurs also have a much better away following than Stoke.

Football wise, after 6 games Tony Pulis’ side find themselves 10th in the league. They’ve lost two games so far, but both were against top 4 opposition. The first was a 4-0 hammering at Anfield, before losing to Chelsea in the last minutes at the Brittania. Players to look out for includes Shawcross, the ex United defender who has matured into a good defender since he went there.

Fergie hasn’t got any fresh injury concerns to worry about, and even more good news came when it was estimated that Hargreaves might be back in action in a month’s times.

It won’t be an easy game, but the better side will win tomorrow, and if everything goes to plan then it will be United.

Foster

O’Shea Vidic Ferdinand Evra

Valencia Fletcher Anderson Nani

Rooney Berbatov