Preview: Stoke City vs Manchester United

Form status: Manchester United's 18-match unbeaten run in the Barclays Premier League was ended when local rivals Manchester City triumphed at Old Trafford, a result that leaves the Reds 12 points clear at the top with just seven games to play. Sir Alex Ferguson's side need just 10 points to secure the title and hope to grab three of those against Stoke City, who have only won two of 12 matches in 2013. As a result, the Potters are in 15th position and battling relegation.

Injury news: The boss expects Ashley Young to miss out after he limped out of Monday's derby defeat with an ankle injury. However, the squad could be boosted by the return of defensive trio Nemanja Vidic, Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling, while Paul Scholes might also make his long-awaited comeback from injury. The hosts will complete late fitness tests on Matthew Etherington and Mark Wilson,but Gary Whelan is not expected to feature.

Previous meeting: Wayne Rooney recovered from scoring an own goal to strike twice as United recorded a 4-2 win over Stoke at Old Trafford in October. Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck were also on the scoresheet, as well as Michael Kightly, during a topsy-turvy match that was in keeping with the Reds' early-season performances.

Did you know? United, while still named Newton Heath, lost 7-1 in the first ever meeting with Stoke in 1893. Since then, the two teams have contested 96 games, of which the Reds have won 38 and drawn 32, scoring an impressive 145 goals in the process.

Sir Alex's men can temporarily reclaim a 15-point lead over City, who are in FA Cup action.

Referee: Yorkshire-based referee Jon Moss will take charge of this fixture. So far this season, he has dished out 77 yellow cards and one red in 27 matches. United fans last saw him during a 2-0 home win over West Brom on 29 December.