Team news
United boss Ferguson is facing a big dilemma regarding his goalkeeper after summer recruit David de Gea produced a shaky performance in the cup setback at Liverpool.
De Gea coped reasonably well with Stoke's aerial bombardment during the 1-1 draw at the Britannia Stadium back in September, but has been overlooked in the Premier League in favour of Anders Lindegaard in recent matches.
However, reports in the Tuesday papers claim Lindegaard suffered an ankle injury in training, which could lead to De Gea starting again.
Rio Ferdinand could return to add his experience to United's defence after only being a substitute at Liverpool following a recent back complaint, while captain Nemanja Vidic is still out.
Wayne Rooney, Nani and Phil Jones are also expected to still be missing for the Red Devils, along with Anderson, Tom Cleverley, Ashley Young and Darren Fletcher.
Stoke, in contrast, have only one major fitness concern after Matthew Etherington was forced to come off during the second half of the Derby win.
The winger had picked up a groin injury and Jermaine Pennant is on stand-by for his first start of 2012 if Pulis decides not to gamble on Etherington.
Mamady Sidibe (knee) is a long-term absentee but apart from those two manager Pulis has virtually a full squad to choose from.
Possible starting XIs
Man Utd: De Gea; Smalling, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra; Valencia, Carrick, Giggs, Park; Welbeck, Hernandez.
Stoke: Sorensen; Huth, Woodgate, Shawcross, Wilson; Shotton, Whelan, Delap, Pennant; Walters, Crouch.
Form guide:
Man Utd: WWLLWW
Stoke: LDDWDL
Injuries:
Man Utd: Vidic, Jones, Anderson, Young, Nani, Rooney, Fletcher, Cleverley, Owen
Stoke: Etherington, Sidibe
Referee: Mike Jones
United boss Ferguson is facing a big dilemma regarding his goalkeeper after summer recruit David de Gea produced a shaky performance in the cup setback at Liverpool.
De Gea coped reasonably well with Stoke's aerial bombardment during the 1-1 draw at the Britannia Stadium back in September, but has been overlooked in the Premier League in favour of Anders Lindegaard in recent matches.
However, reports in the Tuesday papers claim Lindegaard suffered an ankle injury in training, which could lead to De Gea starting again.
Rio Ferdinand could return to add his experience to United's defence after only being a substitute at Liverpool following a recent back complaint, while captain Nemanja Vidic is still out.
Wayne Rooney, Nani and Phil Jones are also expected to still be missing for the Red Devils, along with Anderson, Tom Cleverley, Ashley Young and Darren Fletcher.
Stoke, in contrast, have only one major fitness concern after Matthew Etherington was forced to come off during the second half of the Derby win.
The winger had picked up a groin injury and Jermaine Pennant is on stand-by for his first start of 2012 if Pulis decides not to gamble on Etherington.
Mamady Sidibe (knee) is a long-term absentee but apart from those two manager Pulis has virtually a full squad to choose from.
Possible starting XIs
Man Utd: De Gea; Smalling, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra; Valencia, Carrick, Giggs, Park; Welbeck, Hernandez.
Stoke: Sorensen; Huth, Woodgate, Shawcross, Wilson; Shotton, Whelan, Delap, Pennant; Walters, Crouch.
Form guide:
Man Utd: WWLLWW
Stoke: LDDWDL
Injuries:
Man Utd: Vidic, Jones, Anderson, Young, Nani, Rooney, Fletcher, Cleverley, Owen
Stoke: Etherington, Sidibe
Referee: Mike Jones
