Preview

It has been a rough few months for David Moyes and Manchester United, but in all fairness, aside from currently languishing in eighth place in the Premier League, their season has not been totally disastrous. United established themselves as winners of their group mid-week with a 1-0 victory against Shakhtar, and when the Champions League draw for the last 16 was made yesterday, United were pitted against the Greek club Olympiakos. Although they will still be aware of their threat, it was a draw that most fans have been delighted with - a potential quarter-final more than up for grabs.

When it comes to the Capital One Cup, only a tricky December night at the Brittania Stadium against Stoke on Wednesday stops them from booking a semi-final spot – and it is a competition that David Moyes says that he is eager to win. Sure, there is definitely work to be done within the Red Devils’ squad, and their Premier League title aspirations look to have almost crumbled by Christmas, but with their cup runs so far going well, there is a glimmer of hope for manager, players and fans.

On Sunday, Manchester United showed glimpses of the composed, threatening outlet they have been in previous seasons, under the management of Sir Alex Ferguson. Although admittedly not tested by a Villa side that have had a decent start to the season and sit eleventh, it was a solid performance that contained lots of positives – not least the return of Darren Fletcher, who has been out with illness for the best part of two years.

United will come into this fixture with a solid 3-0 under their belt, thanks to two goals from Danny Welbeck and one from Tom Cleverley, at the weekend.. For Mark Hughes’ Stoke City side, their last two games have brought a surprise 3-2 victory at home to Chelsea and a hard-fought point against a Hull City side used to picking up points at home. Both teams, then, will come into this match with a degree of confidence.

With a busy festive period meaning a whole host of games in short period of time, David Moyes will no doubt look to refresh his side as much as possible. With Robin van Persie out for a month and Michael Carrick still out with injury, and Shinji Kagawa missing the game against Villa through illness, Moyes will look to start Danny Welbeck and perhaps even give Darren Fletcher a place in the starting XI. Mark Hughes will have to compete without defender Robert Huth, who is side-lined after having knee surgery.

Statistics (via BBC Sport)

Head-to-head

- Stoke City last faced Manchester United in the League Cup 20 years ago, beating them 2-1 on home soil in the first leg but losing 2-0 at Old Trafford to go out 3-2 on aggregate.

- The Potters have never lost a home cup tie against United, and beat the Red Devils on their run to the 1972 League Cup final.

- United have won the last four meetings between the two sides - all of which have come in the Premier League. The last was a 3-2 victory at Old Trafford in late October.

Stoke City

- Stoke City have reached the quarter-finals five times in their history, last progressing beyond this stage with victory against Bristol Rovers en route to winning the competition in 1971-72.

- Stoke boss Mark Hughes was a three-time League Cup winner as a player, lifting the cup with Manchester United in 1992, Chelsea in 1997 and Blackburn in 2001.

- Hughes' side have faced non-Premier League clubs in their last three ties - beating Walsall, Tranmere and Birmingham to progress to the last eight.

- Stoke have lost one of their last seven games, a 4-0 defeat by Everton, and have only been beaten once at the Britannia this season - by Norwich in September.

- All four of Kenwyne Jones' goals this season have come in the League Cup, while he has scored eight goals in his last seven appearances in the competition.

Manchester United

- Manchester United have lost their last two quarter-final ties, against Crystal Palace and West Ham United respectively.

- The Red Devils have won four League Cups - and featured in eight finals. Only Arsenal have lost more League Cup finals than United.

- United were the last side to retain the League Cup, winning it in 2009 and 2010.

- Current boss David Moyes has only been past the fifth round on one occasion during his managerial career - reaching the semi-finals with Everton in 2007-08.

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About the author
Ben Johnson
Ben; 21; author and journalist.