Stoke can enhance their fine Capital One Cup record against Man Utd

The smell of Capital One Cup upsets pervades the nostrils after Chelsea’s shock exit at the hands of long-time whipping boys Sunderland and now it’s the turn of Stoke City, bushy-tailed from a recent Blues-slaying themselves, as they welcome Manchester United to the Britannia.

Stoke are 7/2 to win the match in normal time, with United the 4/5 jollies and a draw backable at odds of 11/4.

However, the 19/20 about them to claim victory inside the 90 minutes with a one-goal handicap advantage makes even greater appeal.

The Brit has been a perennial fortress for the Potters since their arrival in the top flight and this season has been no different.

Norwich City, via a scarcely believable Jonny Howson pea-roller, are the only side to escape with victory this term.

Nonetheless only four of their 2013/14 visitors have rolled over for Mark Hughes’ men, with as many games draw during the home run this term.

As such goal-doping your bet to the tune of one net-bulger looks the way to go.

The Red Devils’ recent away form suggests that there’s plenty of hope for our wager, as three of their last five road games would have seen it cop thanks to draws at Real Sociedad, Cardiff and Tottenham.

David Moyes has already intimated that United are likely to rest players with the prospect of a vitally important period of Premier League fixtures around the corner.

Conversely his opposite number told the BBC “This is a game that we want to win, and that will be shown in the team that I select,” suggesting the former Old Trafford goal-machine sees a real chance of progress from the tie.

After all, the Potters pushed United all the way before fading to a 3-2 loss at Old Trafford earlier this term and that performance came during a miserable spell of four losses in five Premier League games.

Stoke come into this clash in far better nick having lost just one of their last five, a period during which they’ve won two of their last three home games and kept three clean sheets.