Manchester United vs Stoke City Predictions, Betting Tips & Preview

The reverse fixture was one of several games were dropped points have combined to make Manchester United’s title challenge an unlikely one. Mourinho’s men have little room for error as they welcome road strugglers Stoke City.

Game: Manchester United vs Stoke City

Venue: Old Trafford

Kick-off: Monday, 15th January, 8.00pm

Stoke City apparently peaked in the first month of the season when results against Arsenal, United and West Brom on their travels appeared to suggest City were a much-improved side who could start dreaming of another top half finish.

Things went rapidly downhill from there as City lost five of their next six, including a 7-2 thrashing at the hands of Manchester City, and their away form hasn’t improved much since. Stoke have won one away game all season and have given away 31 goals in 13 games.

Manchester United can consider the title a long shot with the way things are currently progressing, but just one slip from their near neighbours and a head to head result at the Etihad could circumstances enough to make things interesting. United can’t afford a slip here.

Manchester United are best odds 2/9 with Betfred which presents little value. The draw is available at 25/4 through Unibet whilst Stoke are a chunky 14/1 with Coral.

A Carabao cup exit at the hands of Bristol City seemed to spark a wobble for United who went on to draw their next three games. Back to back 2-0 wins since have steadied the ship and it’s been more against higher-placed opposition that United have been prone to slips. Stoke’s away form is worrying and they’ve been outscored 26-5 in meetings with top five teams in six meetings so far this season.

Back our Free Betting Tip: Man Utd -2AH at 1/1 with Bet365

Stoke have only really kept it competitive with one of the top five sides and that was United in the reverse. They’ll be in no giving mood here. United have won by two clear goals in their last two games against opponents in a more confident mood, and seven of their eight home league wins have been with a clean sheet.

Back our Score Prediction: Man Utd to win 3-0 at 7/1 with Betfair

United will be boosted by the return to the side of Romelu Lukaku who has netted 10 league goals in 21 appearances for Mourinho’s men this season. United’s front four have looked so dangerous and Lukaku will spearhead the quarter on Monday evening.

Back our Scorer Prediction: Romelu Lukaku at 8/15 with Bet365