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Manchester United: Rio Ferdinand's Return Will Give Stoke City No Chance

Kyle Vassalo@VassaloBRX.com LogoFeatured ColumnistSeptember 22, 2011

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 12:  Rio Ferdinand of Manchester United gestures during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final second leg match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Old Trafford on April 12, 2011 in Manchester, England.  (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Manchester United probably wouldn't have any trouble against Stoke City regardless of whether or not Rio Ferdinand plays Saturday, but the fact that Rio Ferdinand looks like he is going to be available for the match gives Stoke City no chance.

The Red Devils weren't having problems winning without the services of one of their key defenders. Inserting him back into the lineup makes things almost unfair.

Manchester United is on a ridiculous pace thus far, and Wayne Rooney has proven to be unstoppable. It's hard to imagine a better start to their season and the way they are playing, Stoke City has to recognize the uphill battle that lies in front of them.

After a 4-0 loss at Sunderland, Stoke City needs a huge win to help them reassert themselves as a threat in the EPL. They are a decent team, but they haven't scored a goal in the EPL or otherwise in their last two matches.

We're going to see the best Stoke City has to offer, but that isn't going to be good enough this match. With an even better back line, Manchester United is going to make life miserable for Stoke City.

We know Rooney and the United attack are going to score. Unfortunately, Stoke City doesn't have the fire power to come away with a win if this match becomes a shootout.

Manchester United will eventually regress a bit, as they can't expect to keep up this blistering pace all season long. Even so, their hot streak is safe for at least one more match. Their ferocious attack and likely improved attack are going to make it impossible for Stoke City to compete in this one.

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