Manchester United's chances of winning the Premier League are just about down to nil at this point with just 15 matches left in the season. If the Red Devils lose at home to Stoke City though, the real reward, a spot in the Champions League next season, could be gone once and for all as well.
Soccer Odds at BookMaker.eu
Manchester United -140
Stoke City +445
Draw +265
Over/Under 2 (over -140)
ODDS ANALYSIS
It's strange to think that these two teams are separated by just four points in the standings. You wouldn't know that based on the betting lines here, though. The Red Devils have dropped to just 5-4-2 at home this season, and that just doesn't cut it for a team of this magnitude.
Man U is still getting the respect of a Top 3 team by the oddsmakers, though. The hosts are set at -140 on the moneyline, setting up Stoke at +445 to steal the three points.
The total has to below in this match, knowing that both sides have really struggled to find the back of the net. The number to beat is set at 2 and -140 vig on the over.
KEY INJURIES
United has been hoping to get Bastian Schweinsteiger back from his knee injury for a while, but with each passing game that he doesn't play, it becomes less and less likely that he's able to really have a huge impact the rest of the way.
Add in Luke Shaw, Nick Powell and Phil Jones being on the bench, and there are definitely some holes to be filled in this Manchester United lineup.
Stoke is still playing without Geoff Cameron and Ryan Shawcross, two injuries which are really devastating for a team which isn't all that deep as it is.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"He has that ability. He's shown that from day one since his debut against Liverpool when he scored. We have to realize how good he is, and we can't expect everything from him all the time." – Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick on the talent level of young Anthony Martial
RECENT FORM
Man U was able to advance in the FA Cup over the weekend by destroying Derby County 3-1. However, when you go back and look at the results against Premier League teams, you won't be impressed. The Red Devils have scored just a total of eight goals in eight matches since the beginning of December.
Stoke City had a tough week. The Potters were bounced out on the FA Cup on the road at Crystal Palace four days after losing in penalties in the semifinals of the Capital One Cup against Liverpool. Still, the Potters have been in much better form than their lack of wins suggests, and they're due for some better results.
ANALYSIS AND ODDS PREDICTION
Manchester United just isn't trustworthy at this point. Sure, Martial is in nice form, but he can't do this all by himself, and the Red Devils badly needed to help him before the end of the transfer window.
Stoke City was able to win 2-0 when these two teams met on Boxing Day, and that was really just a part of the end for the Red Devils this year and the end of Louis van Gaal as the manager of this team. It would only be fitting it this was van Gaal's last match on the sidelines in Manchester, and it's a very plausible spot to happen.
We'll take our chances on Stoke City in this match with the half ball on our side, though we wouldn't be shocked if the Potters pull off the outright upset. We'll fancy the draw though, thanks to the fact that both of these offenses aren't to be trusted.
Manchester United 0, Stoke City 0
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