Stoke Looking to Throw United a Premiership Lifeline

Stoke City have shown that they should be underestimated by no one this season. They went to Anfield to go toe-to-toe with the five-time European Champions and came away with a 0-0 draw. Then, just two weeks ago, they overcame and bullied an Arsenal side in a 2-1 defeat.

Beating the Gunners in any manner is commendable, but the way the Potters did it that afternoon showed that they won't let any side overcome them, especially not any of the big four.

Manchester United will be no different, and even though the venue is Old Trafford Stoke will have no fear entering the Theatre of Dreams.

On the face of it, Stoke do have it all to do. They own the Premiership's worst away record with just two points from their six games and yet to get off the mark away from the Britannia has been the downfall of Tony Pulis' side.

United have a predictably formidable home record, with just two dropped points, those being on the opening day of the season when Newcastle United stole a point from the Champions' grasp.

As always for Stoke, the attention will be on throw-in sensation Rory Delap. He has toiled with defences this season, providing seven goals for Stoke this season with his missile like re-starts.

United are sure to be quick to snuff out this weapon, and with the natural height in the side they should have no problem.

Nemanja Vidic has never been one to shy away from a challenge and Rio Ferdinand's heading ability is slowly making him into one of the strongest centre-backs in the world.

However, the one concern for the home side will be their goalkeeper, Edwin Van Der Sar, who has become increasingly unsure from crosses this season.

Against Liverpool it was his mistake that gifted the Merseysider's their equalizer before they went on to collect all three points. Elsewhere he has looked consistently uneasy and the rest of his back four must feel uneasy with this unsure goalkeeper behind them.

With balls sure to be piled into the box at regular intervals on Saturday afternoon, can the Dutchman be trusted to keep a clear head?

United are sure to create enough chances to overcome Stoke whether the throw-in system works or not.

To be honest, Van Der Sar making enough mistakes for Stoke to stand a chance is unlikely. Huerelho Gomes showed on Wednesday night that no matter how many mistakes you make your team will always back you up. United are sure to be in a similar mood after last weekend's humiliation at the Emirates.

Both sides go into the game without much in the way of form, but not many will back Stoke in their hopes of changing their away day record.