Manchester United v Stoke City: Fergie’s out to smash the Potters

Manchester United’s hopes of winning the title ultimately rest with Wigan Athletic getting a result at Stamford Bridge but Sir Alex Ferguson knows the Red Devils must get their side of the deal done first before they start cheering on the Latics.

Not that United should have too much to worry about with the visit of the Potters. Stoke City haven’t triumphed at the Theatre of Dreams for 34 years and haven’t even scored there since 1980. United put the Potters to the sword last season, 5-0, and following Stoke’s horror show at Stamford Bridge recently I’m sure Tony Pulis will be hoping for damage limitations.

However, it may not be all plain sailing for the hosts as that Chelsea defeat was the Potters’ one and only league loss on the road in 2010. Could Stoke City put United’s title dreams to bed? The Panel doesn’t think so.

Manchester United v Stoke City; Kick Off 4pm 09 May 2010

Prediction Panel

Our panel contains both Squarefootball writers and readers, the writers are marked: (sqf).

Dave Blackburn : 3 - 0
Chris Cox : 2 - 1
Graham Enwright : 3 - 1
Sue Gardener : 5 - 1
Chris Goodwin : 1 - 1
Paul Grech (sqf) : TBC
Colin Illingworth (sqf) : 3 - 1
Hugh Larkin (sqf) : 2 - 0
Peter Lee : 2 - 0
Don McMahon : 3 - 1
Antony Melvin (sqf) : 2 - 0
Paul O'Meara (sqf) : TBC
Dave Nash : 2 - 0
Stephen Orford (sqf) : TBC
Tony Ratton : 4 - 0
Peter Rendle : 3 - 0
Dan Taylor : 2 - 1
Andy Wakeman : 3 - 0
Mark Williams : 2 - 0

Panel Verdict

United will end the season with a win.

Home: 15; Draw: 1; Away: 0; TBC: 3.

* Do we have it right, or do you know better? Please don't bother with derisory comments on the predictions after the match - unless you also pulled us up before it!