It's the first time in the Premier League era that Manchester United have been out of the Champions League and FA Cup by this stage of the season. But they'll have no time to feel sorry for themselves and lick their wounds against Stoke City. The physical challenge of the visitors will provide no respite. That's the way Sir Alex Ferguson would have wanted it.

His players must respond now or their title challenge will wilt and their time at Old Trafford could draw to a close. The manager will be examining closely the desire of all of his players as he continues to rebuild.

History suggests they should bounce back. They are unbeaten against Stoke at Old Trafford since April 1976. Ryan Giggs was just two years old!

Stoke are marching on in two cup competitions still, but their long season is beginning to affect their league form. They've been playing competitively for six months now. It's showing, with just one league win in six games.

But they are still having a tremendous season and can certainly threaten United at set pieces and down their left flank if Matty Etherington plays. Peter Crouch and the tireless Jon Walters will press the home defence, which continues to badly miss Nemanja Vidic.

Injuries have undermined United's season so far. They haven't been able to name a consistent back four at any stage. It'll be interesting to see how they handle Stoke's aerial threat after Andy Carroll had one of his best Liverpool performances against the United back four at the weekend.

Wayne Rooney hasn't scored against Stoke but United need him fit to lead the attack. Danny Welbeck looked raw as a lone front runner at Anfield. United have had their critics this season, but they've still won 10 of their last 13 league games and have the magic eye over Stoke. A home win for me - but only just.

Head-to-head




• United have won the last seven meetings at home, scoring 20 goals and conceding one.



• Stoke are winless in 10 league visits to Old Trafford since a 1-0 victory in April 1976.



• The Potters earned their first Premier League point against United in September's reverse fixture, with Peter Crouch's header earning a 1-1 draw.



Man Utd


• United have yet to lose after opening the scoring this season (W16, D2), but they are winless in the four games in which they conceded the first goal.



• They have kept a clean sheet in half of their 22 league matches, more than any other top-flight side.



• The Red Devils have scored in each of their last 41 league matches at Old Trafford since a 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa in December 2009. If they score against Stoke it will equal their top-flight club record, set between February 1955 and February 1957.



• Antonio Valencia has provided eight assists in his last eight league matches.



Stoke


• Stoke have only won one of their last six league matches, averaging a point per game during that run.



• However, they have taken 10 points out a possible 15 from their last five away matches.



• They have been awarded five penalties this season, the same number as in the previous two Premier League campaigns put together.



• Midfielder Dean Whitehead has made 399 career league appearances.



• Rory Delap's next appearance will be his 350th in the Premier League, Robert Huth will make his 150th career league start and Matthew Etherington is poised to make his 100th league appearance for Stoke.