PROLIFIC: You think Javier Hernandez’s record of scoring four in four against the Potters is impressive, well Robin van Persie is even more clinical against us having fired in six goals in five games.
LONG TIME WAITING: The Potters haven’t recorded a victory at Old Trafford in any competition since 1976, when Alan Bloor headed home an 87th minute winner for the visitors. In the twelve games since then, United have won 11 and drawn one.
BRICK WALL: Manchester United have kept seven clean sheets in their last eight home games in all competitions against Stoke, with the Potters netting just one goal in the other game. Stoke have however, not conceded a goal in almost a month, since the narrow defeat at Chelsea.
RETURN: Michael Owen makes his first return to Old Trafford since departing them in the summer, looking for his first Potters start and maiden City goal. During his three years at Old Trafford the England hit-man scored 17 goals in just 17 starts. He also came off the bench for the Reds on 32 occasions.
FIGHT-BACK: Manchester United have recovered more points from losing positions than any other team this season (9).
SET-PIECE SPECIALISTS: Manchester United have now scored a league-high five goals from corners this season. Stoke have scored a league-high proportion of goals from set pieces this season (67%) after heading this category last season (58%).
AWAY DAY BLUES: Tony Pulis’ side have won none of their last 13 Premier League away games (W0 D6 L7), scoring just six goals in the process. However, Stoke have lost just one game on the road this term, drawing three of the four.
LANDMARKS: Two Stoke players will reach Premier League landmarks if they are selected at Old Trafford. Peter Crouch will line-up in his 300th top-flight game, whilst for defender Robert Huth it will be his 200th.
GANGLING: Leading goal-scorer Peter Crouch, who bagged in the 1-1 draw against United at the Britannia Stadium last season, has contested more aerial duals than any other player in Europe’s top five league’s this campaign.