Stoke look to throw United a Premiership Lifeline

Stoke City have shown that they should be underestimated by no-one this season. They went to Anfield, and went toe-to-toe with the five time European Champions and came away with a 0-0 draw. Then just two weeks ago, they overcame and bullied an Arsenal side into a 2-1 defeat.

Beating the Gunners in any manner is commendable, but the way the Potters did it that afternoon showed that they won’t let any side overcome them especially any of the big four.

Manchester United will be no different and even though the venue is Old Trafford Stoke will have no fear entering the Theatre of Dreams.

On the face of it Stoke do have it all to do. They own the Premierships worst away record with just two points from their six games and yet to get off the mark away from the Britannia has been the downfall of Tony Pulis’s side.

United have a predictably formidable home record with just two dropped points, those being on the opening day of the season when Newcastle United stole a point from the Champions grasps.

As always for Stoke, the attention will be on throw-in sensation Rory Delap who has toiled with defences this season providing seven goals for Stoke this season with his missile like re-starts.

United are sure to be quick to snuff out this weapon, and with the natural height in the side they should have no problem.

Nemanja Vidic has never been one to shy away from a challenge and Rio Ferdinand’s heading ability is slowly making him into one of the strongest centre-backs in the world.

However the only concern for the home side will be their goalkeeper, Edwin Van Der Sar who has become increasing unsure from crosses this season.

Against Liverpool it was his mistake that gift the Merseysider’s their equalizer before they went on to collect all three points. Elsewhere he has looked consistently uneasy and the rest of his back four must feel uneasy with this unsure goalkeeper behind them.

With balls sure to be piled into the box at regular intervals on Saturday afternoon can the Dutchman be trusted to keep a clear head?

However United are sure to create enough chances to overcome Stoke whether the throw in system works or not.

To be honest whether Van Der Sar makes enough mistakes for Stoke to stand a chance is unlikely, Huerelho Gomes showed on Wednesday night that no-matter how many mistakes you make your team will always back you up, United are sure to be in similar mood after last weekends humiliation at the Emirates.

Both side’s go into the game without much in the way in form, but not many wil back Stoke in their hopes of changing their away day record.