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Impossible to back against Man Utd against Stoke

Manchester United host Stoke City on Monday hoping to keep their faint hopes of winning the Premier League alive.

The Red Devils trail Manchester City by 15 points with 16 games to play, but they will be eager to ensure they are in a position to take advantage if Pep Guardiola’s side suffer a blip in form.

United are priced at 1/5 to win the game, with Stoke available at 14/1. The draw is on offer at 5/1 and punters can use this William Hill Promo Code to wager on the match.

Manager Jose Mourinho is expected to make changes from the side which won 2-0 against Derby County in the FA Cup last weekend.

Goalkeeper David de Gea was rested for the game but should be back in the starting line-up, while Antonio Valencia is close to a return after suffering a slight hamstring injury.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Eric Bailly and Michael Carrick are all unavailable for selection.

Stoke’s dismal 2-1 cup defeat at Coventry City signalled the end of Mark Hughes’ reign as manager, but they are hoping to make a quick appointment.

Coach Eddie Niedzwiecki has taken temporary charge, although Republic of Ireland boss Martin O’Neill has been heavily linked with the role.

Stoke have a few injury concerns, with defenders Ryan Shawcross, Glen Johnson and Bruno Martins Indi all sidelined. Erik Pieters is also a slight doubt for the game.

Stephen Ireland, who played for the first time against Coventry since suffering a double leg break in May 2016, could be in contention to start at Old Trafford.

Jesse Lingard has been in excellent form for United in recent weeks, scoring eight goals in his last 10 games. The 25-year-old can be backed at 7/5 to add to his tally this weekend.

United have won one and drawn three of their last four games against Stoke, with their last victory being a 3-0 success back in 2016. They are priced at 6/1 to match that scoreline on Monday.

Stoke have won just five games in the league this season and are currently 18th in the table. They are on offer at 2/1 to be relegated, but they will hope Hughes’ departure will spark an upturn in their fortunes.

However, it’s difficult to see City having any joy against United and home games against Watford and Huddersfield later in the month look better opportunities to pick up some points.

United have conceded just five league goals at home this season and they look banker material at 3/4 to win to nil against Stoke.

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