Manchester United vs. Stoke: Issues and Decisions That Will Shape EPL Game

Off the back of a comfortable home win against Hull City, Manchester United are in action at Old Trafford on Tuesday night, this time against Stoke. 

Stoke's form has been patchy, and they come into this game following two defeats.

United, on the other hand, have won their last three games. Against Hull, they put in a performance which Louis van Gaal described as "the best match of our season," per BBC Sport.

In order to maintain winning ways, they will have to be at their best against Stoke, who still possess considerable physical prowess in spite of the changes to their way of playing under Mark Hughes. 

Let's take a look at the key issues and decisions that will shape the game from Van Gaal's point of view. 

Who Plays at Centre Forward?

Jon Super/Associated Press

Robin van Persie's performance against Arsenal was woeful, leading to speculation that he may be dropped against Hull in favour of James Wilson.  

"

Not sure who starts in #MUFC attack tomorrow but Van Gaal certainly left it open that it might be James Wilson.

— Daniel Taylor (@DTguardian) November 28, 2014"

Against Hull, however, Van Persie showed glimpses of his best. He provided the assist for Wayne Rooney's goal with a fine layoff that demonstrated his effectiveness at playing with his back to goal. 

Later, he was only just offside when he forced the Hull goalkeeper into a fine save with a diving header reminiscent of his magical goal against Spain in the World Cup. 

After 65 minutes, Van Persie earned himself less than half a yard of space by dragging the ball onto his left foot, and he rifled the ball into the net from just outside the area.

"If you score a goal like that it gives you confidence and the team, and if I am really honest I needed that," Van Persie told Sky Sports after the game.

Given that confidence boost, it is hard to imagine Van Gaal now dropping Van Persie, but a fit-again Radamel Falcao needs playing time.

The manager has the option of dropping Wayne Rooney—which seems unlikely, given his excellent form—or Juan Mata, who played very well against Hull. 

This is a big decision for Van Gaal, and it will have a significant bearing on both this game and the season ahead. It would not be a surprise to see him maintain the status quo, perhaps giving Falcao a longer cameo than he did against Hull.

In any case, it is a matter that will need to be settled at some point during the season.

Formation

Clive Mason/Getty Images

Van Gaal reverted to the back three with which he started the season in United's game against Arsenal. 

Against Hull City, they used a back four again, and the players certainly appeared more comfortable.

The midfield shape against the Tigers could reasonably have been described as a diamond. However, once Angel Di Maria went off injured and was replaced by Ander Herrera, it became a very flexible, fluid shape, and narrowing down specific roles within the midfield was not trivial. 

Hull put little pressure on United's midfield, resulting in 71.6 percent possession for the Red Devils, with all United's outfield players—bar Ashley Young and Radamel Falcao—exceeding 90 percent pass accuracy.

Young's was only just shy of that mark at 88.9 percent.

It is unlikely United will be able to be quite that untroubled against a team featuring the likes of Ryan Shawcross. Nonetheless, Van Gaal must be tempted to use the same formation again, given how effective United were. 

Style of Play

Clive Mason/Getty Images

United set out with a completely different game plan against Hull than they had done against Arsenal, and there are two telling data points.

One is possession—71.6 percent against Hull but only 41.7 percent against the Gunners. 

Another is the type of passes United played.

Against Arsenal, very nearly a quarter of United's passes (23.66 percent) were long balls, compared to just 8.92 percent against Hull. 

It has been clear throughout the season that United's pass length has varied considerably based on the type of opponent faced. It will be interesting to see how often they look for the longer pass against Stoke, and whether they seek to dominate possession or strike on the counter-attack. 

Injuries

Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Of course, no discussion about a Manchester United game in the 2014/15 season could be complete without a look at United's injury list.

At the time of writing, per PhysioRoom.com, United have nine injuries—although both Rooney and Jonny Evans may be available. 

However, even if they were to return, that leaves James Wilson, Di Maria, Luke Shaw, Daley Blind, Rafael, Phil Jones and Jesse Lingard on the injured list, per Physio Room, five of whom would probably start if fit. 

It has become the norm for Van Gaal, but once again, this game will be significantly effected by United's injuries.

All statistics per WhoScored.com.