Premier League: Manchester United v Stoke City match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at Old Trafford

Wayne Rooney of Manchester United looks on (Getty Images)

About the fixture...

Manchester United continue to struggle in the league this season and after last week's draw with Southampton, they will be desperate to get their campaign back on track.

The expected return of Robin Van Persie will undoubtedly be a boost and they will also be grateful for a seemingly rejuvenated Wayne Rooney this season.

New Stoke boss Mark Hughes is of course no stranger to Old Trafford having played for Man United, but history suggests he will do well to win there, with Stoke winless at the ground since 1976.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Stoke 0 Man United 2, Premier League, April 2013

Man United 4 Stoke 2, Premier League, September 2012

Man United 2 Stoke 0, Premier League, January 2012

STATS…

It is 20 years since Stoke last beat United in any competition - Mark Stein scored twice in a 2-1 League Cup second-round victory, only for United to win the second leg 2-0 at home to progress 3-2 on aggregate.

United's current tally of 11 points is their lowest after eight games of a season since 1989, when they had eight points.

Mark Hughes' side have the joint-fifth best defensive record in the division, having only conceded seven goals in their eight matches.

Hughes made 467 appearances for Manchester United over two spells and scored 163 goals (1980-86 & 1988-95).

ODDS…

Man United to win: 1.33

Stoke to win: 11

Draw: 4.8

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.20pm