Manchester United have surprised many by climbing to fourth place despite mostly mediocre form on the pitch, and today they have a chance to better cement that position if they can beat Stoke City at home. Stoke aren't quite so well off at the moment, with Mark Hughes' side sitting 12th in the table after last weekend's loss to Liverpool. Still, Stoke will be looking to put a crimp in Louis Van Gaal's success by stealing a draw or even a win in today's match at Old Trafford.
Manchester United vs. Stoke City live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch the EPL online
Manchester United are on a bit of a roll, but Stoke City will to everything they can to play the spoiler.
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Key player - Robin Van Persie (Manchester United)
Van Persie has run hot and cold this season, but if he’s on form, he has the ability to take over matches by himself. Stoke’s focus on more physical defenders means that they don’t really have someone who can properly contain Van Persie’s athleticism and skill on the ball; if he can utilize that advantage to find spaces for his supporting cast to get him service in to, it could be a very long day for Asmir Begovic in goal.
Key Matchup - Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United) vs. Steven N'Zonzi (Stoke City)
Both players have the ability to be top-notch hard men in their sides’ respective midfields, but also are equally capable of being liabilities if they don’t play well. It’s not hard for momentum-shifting tackles to become rash fouls or worse, and both Fellaini and N’Zonzi have a habit of slipping in to sloppy play at times. Whichever one stays in better control can dictate the way the match goes for his side, though neutrals might be hoping for the entertainment value of both of them being wild and crazy on Tuesday.
Manchester United injuries and suspensions
Out: Angel Di Maria (hamstring), Daley Blind (knee), Rafael (groin), Phil Jones (calf), Jesse Lingard (knee), Luke Shaw (ankle) In doubt: Wayne Rooney (knee), Johnny Evans (ankle), James Wilson (unspecified)
Stoke City injuries and suspensions
Out: Robert Huth (calf), Glen Whelan (calf), Steve Sidwell (knee), Victor Moses (thigh), Peter Odemwingie (knee) In doubt: Phil Bardsley (ill)
Both sides are heavily battered, but United should see Wayne Rooney available today and have an outside chance of getting Johnny Evans back to anchor their back line. Stoke, on the other hand, will be dealing with a patchwork midfield with both Glen Whelan and Steve Sidwell out, though the probable return of Phil Bardseley to their back line will be a boost.
Match Date/Time: Tuesday, 7:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
TV: NBC Sports Network (U.S. - English), Mun2 (U.S. - Spanish)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra
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