Manchester United vs. Stoke City: Preview, Live Stream, Start Time and More

Manchester United will return to Premier League play on Tuesday when they host Stoke City at Old Trafford.

United lost to Liverpool, 2-1, on Saturday in the fourth round of the FA Cup in a thrilling match, and now, the only competitions they have left to win are the domestic title and the Europa League.

They are currently three points behind league leaders Manchester City, and despite their poor play at times this season, United are one of the strongest contenders for the league title.

Stoke City sit eighth in the league table and are seven points behind Liverpool, who are in seventh. This is Stoke's first of three league matches before they play Valencia in the Europa League on Feb. 16.

Let's look at everything you need to know about this awesome Premier League matchup.

Where: Old Trafford, Manchester, England

Watch: ESPN2

Live Stream: ESPN3.com

When: Tuesday, Jan. 31 at 3:00 p.m.

Player to Watch for Manchester United: David De Gea

Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea really struggled against Liverpool on Saturday in the club's FA Cup loss, and his confidence will not be good heading into the match with Stoke City on Tuesday.

De Gea has looked uncomfortable in net for United and has not adjusted well to the Premier League since arriving from Atletico Madrid in the summer.

If De Gea looks shaky early and does not look composed in front of United's goal, then manager Sir Alex Ferguson has to strongly consider subbing him out of the match.

Player to Watch for Stoke City: Peter Crouch

Stoke City forward Peter Crouch has tremendous height and is always a target in the box for a cross. He will be crucial to the club's chances of winning against Manchester United.

Crouch is leading Stoke City with six league goals and is a player the Red Devils must make sure they mark consistently if they want to take all three points Tuesday.

Key Matchup: United Center Backs vs. Stoke Forwards

Manchester United gave up too many quality scoring chances to Liverpool on Saturday and cannot do that again to Stoke City, or Crouch and his attacking teammates will hurt them.

With De Gea struggling in goal for the Red Devils, playing strong in the middle of the defense is key to the club's chances of winning. Stoke are a talented team and have players who can score goals, so the United defense will have to play very well to avoid being upset.

What They're Saying

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson spoke about his team's loss to Liverpool on Saturday, via the Telegraph.

"

To lose is a real sickening blow. We dominated the game in terms of possession. We did very well in that respect. But to lose the game is hard to believe.

Some of our possession was good. Our movement off the ball was good. I thought we were in the driving seat.

"

Prediction: Manchester United win 2-1

The Manchester United defense did not play too well on Saturday, but Stoke City is not as good on the attack as Liverpool, and the Red Devils need this win badly to keep pace with Manchester City in the league table.

United's veteran players will make sure the team is focused, and I cannot see the club losing to an inferior club at Old Trafford, a place where they are 8-1-2 this season in the league.