[bubbles_]

A draw would be a good result today if we would've won the last two. LVG has backed himself into a corner though.

 

[pauldyson1uk]

Wow is the poll results for real? Are you guys really taking the piss? The bookmakers have us at 2/1 favourites after all, surely we can't be that bad?

I take it you have watched our excuse for football recently ? , given that and it is away at Stoke, cold wet and windy, we will be lucky to get a point.

 

[LuisNaniencia]

Would love it if just one of our attacking players finds a run of form. Would make all the difference. If LVG has an excuse, this is it.

I literally cannot remember the last time one of our players apart from Smalling or DDG had a run of good form.

 

[Rednotdead]

Would love it if just one of our attacking players finds a run of form. Would make all the difference. If LVG has an excuse, this is it.

I literally cannot remember the last time one of our players apart from Smalling or DDG had a run of good form.

The players are imprisoned within a playing system that suffocates creativity and invention.

 

[C'est Moi Cantona]

Have to be honest I want us to really have an impressive game here, because after thinking Jose initially seemed a good idea I just don't fancy it happening at all now, so whilst I don't like him very much, I'm pining my hopes on LvG turning it around now.

 

[Leftback99]

Wow is the poll results for real? Are you guys really taking the piss? The bookmakers have us at 2/1 favourites after all, surely we can't be that bad?

The bookies had similar odds for the Bournemouth game and thought Norwich were a 7/1 shot to beat us.

Perfect weather for Stoke as well. Our players won't fancy it at all.

 

[Balu]

Worst attack in the league vs best defense, surely United can get at least a 0-0 out of this game? The score predictions are crazy.

 

[togg]

Just can't see a win. Players are down, manager is down. The only people who will be up no matter what are our away fans!

 

[Drifter]

The negativity in this thread .1-2 and improved performance.

 

[pacifictheme]

Come on lads. Do us proud today.

 

[togg]

The negativity in this thread .1-2 and improved performance.

It's totally understandable, considering our last six games and our lack of freedom in the last third. Thierry Henry got it absolutely spot on in his analysis.

 

[marukomu]

Talking to my family on skype while this is on so will miss most if not all of it.
Come on lads, let's feck these rotters.

 

[ShakeUnBake]

We should be rewarded for not being finnicky and sacking the manager. Let's teach the football world a thing or two about class and perseverance!

And if that doesn't work axe the lot of 'em

 

[lynchie]

We're always crap in bad weather at Stoke. They'll hit us with a couple of long balls and a set piece. 3-0

 

[pauldyson1uk]

The negativity in this thread .1-2 and improved performance.

What else did you expect after the last game, the last place we wanted to be a Stoke today, horrible place to go at the best of times, but today will be even worse.

 

[WPMUFC]

Wow is the poll results for real? Are you guys really taking the piss? The bookmakers have us at 2/1 favourites after all, surely we can't be that bad?

Norwich tore MUFC a part with worse players than stoke have. Furthermore look what stoke did to Man City with quick moving football.

 

[Green_Red]

come on United! Like everyone hoping this is the game that starts to pull us out of this slump

 

[RedPed]

I'm putting Stoke in my acca. I think because of the attention on and significance of this match, the players are going to be too scared to express themselves and Stoke will be well up for it. There'll be more backwards and sideways passes than ever before. The only thing that might work in our favour is that we might end up against 10 men as they are a dirty team. I actually think Fellaini would be a perfect player for Stoke City and the way they play.

It's a sorry state of affairs...I can't even see my beloved United getting past Stoke this afternoon. But I really think that van Gaal has caused the increased media furore around the team...and himself. Every game will be scrutinized from now on.

I wouldn't mind losing out on an acca if it means we win though...so either way I can't lose !

 

[pauldyson1uk]

If we lose today , it could be LVG last game in charge, I am sure thats what the press will be saying, I dont think he will.

 

[Mciahel Goodman]

Hard time picking starting XI here. Schneiderlin should start alongside Carrick. Herrera or Mata... or Borthwick-Jackson as a CF? feck knows.

 

[wiz4231]

De Gea
Young....Smalling....Jones....Blind
Herrera.....Schneiderlin
Mata
Martial...........................Depay
Rooney​

If Fellaini starts, sack LVG before the match.

 

[Mciahel Goodman]

De Gea
Young....Smalling....Jones....Blind
Herrera.....Schneiderlin
Mata
Martial...........................Depay
Rooney​

If Fellaini starts, sack LVG before the match.

Stoke are a decent side. Carrick and Schneiderlin have to both start imo. Only room for one of Herrera/Mata.

 

[Sassy Colin]

Schneiderlin is definitely fit then?

 

[Devil81]

It's just like us to bounce back with a good result when everyone is assuming we will get beat. If you look at the players available we should win this game, we all know that's not always the case though.

This is the make or break game for Van Gaal, it's either bye bye or two fingers up to his haters.

 

[Mciahel Goodman]

Schneiderlin is definitely fit then?

Was fit the last game, just not match-fit as far as I know. Must be OK by now.

 

[DomesticTadpole]

Was fit the last game, just not match-fit as far as I know. Must be OK by now.

He still won't be match fit because he won't bloody well play him. I agree he should start. He should have had a run out in the last game.

 

[WPMUFC]

If LVG has actually received the "two game" ultimatum, I sincerely hope he drops rooney today. If you are that close to the guillotine then try something different FFS.

 

[Aussie_Red_Devil]

Can see us sneaking a 1-0 result in a crappy game. Won't be enough to save LVG

 

[WyoManU]

Don't know why everyone is so worried about this game...surely we will have more possession...

 

[2 man midfield]

It needs to be an emphatic win to get the fans back on side really. I can't see an equally dull 1-0 being enough.

 

[Sassy Colin]

Don't know why everyone is so worried about this game...surely we will have more possession...

We're playing Stokalona

 

[justboy68]

Why do so many people still think Stoke of today are the same as Stoke under Tony Pulis? They are a completely different team now who have proper players like Bojan and Shaqiri. We could well still lose but not because it's a cold, windy away at stoke, rather because they might rip us apart with the ball on the floor like they did to City.

 

[ravi2]

Why do so many people still think Stoke of today are the same as Stoke under Tony Pulis? They are a completely different team now who have proper players like Bojan and Shaqiri. We could well still lose but not because it's a cold, windy away at stoke, rather because they might rip us apart with the ball on the floor like they did to City.

Agreed, stoke isn't as basic a team as some folks here think.

 

[Adisa]

Will be staggering if Schneiderlin doesn't start.

 

[WPMUFC]

Will be staggering if Schneiderlin doesn't start.

if the "two game" ultimatum is correct, you'd have to assume LVG will make sane changes to the XI. Why send out the exact same insipid team to save your career unless you have completely lost it

 

[LeftyBlaster]

Why do so many people still think Stoke of today are the same as Stoke under Tony Pulis? They are a completely different team now who have proper players like Bojan and Shaqiri. We could well still lose but not because it's a cold, windy away at stoke, rather because they might rip us apart with the ball on the floor like they did to City.

Just one of the many misconceptions floating around here. Maybe people haven't watched them play under Hughes enough. They're a much more intelligent team now but still as driven.

 

[Mciahel Goodman]

Just one of the many misconceptions floating around here. Maybe people haven't watched them play under Hughes enough. They're a much more intelligent team now but still as driven.

Which is why Carrick/Schneiderlin is a must. Back four needs protection. Guessing Herrera will be left out as Mata will be preferred and I don't think LvG has ever really rated Herrera.

 

[cyberman]

The most surreal aspect of LVG reign is this match rhythm nonsense. a 2 week layoff turns to 5 weeks because he missed a few training sessions. Lets see if they suddenly have this match rhythm when the teams are announced.

 

[pocco]

Did they play well against City then? Heard a few people refer to this game.

I don't mind watching Stoke these days. Bojan is a cracking player.

 

[Mciahel Goodman]

Carrick--Schneiderlin
------Herrera
Mata-------Memphis
------Martial

Would be my preference.