Sir Alex Ferguson must not be able to believe his luck that Manchester United are at the top of the Premier League after the half way point of the season.
United have drawn eight of their 19 games so far this season, which has not been like them in the past. However in recent weeks the Red Devils have started to grind out the results that have won them Premier League titles in the recent years.
On Tuesday United welcome Stoke City who have not troubled them at Old Trafford since they gained promotion to the top flight (United 1/4, draw 4/1, Stoke 11/1).
The Potters were hammered 4-0 at the Theatre of Dreams last season but will be boosted by some injury doubts for United. Nani looks like he will sit out yet another game on the sideline with a hip injury but the main worry for Ferguson will be the possible absence of Wayne Rooney. The England striker picked up an ankle injury during United 2-1 away win against West Brom at the Hawthorns on New Year’s Day.
Although Rooney has clearly not been in his best form this season, he got a goal against the Baggies and will be desperate to get on the scoresheet against the Potters.
Stoke have crept up into eighth place in the Premier League and have had a strong start to their third season in the top flight. However they may not have come far enough to mount a serious challenge against United on Wednesday.
Former United star Mark Hughes is finding life difficult as manager of Fulham as the Cottagers sit in the relegation zone having been a top half table side for the last few seasons.
Fulham have a massive game against West Brom on Wednesday as they look to climb up the table (Fulham 6/5, draw 23/10 West Brom 23/10).
The West London side have struggled without their star striker Bobby Zamora this season but they could welcome back forward Moussa Dembele who has been out for the last seven weeks with an ankle injury.
After a thrashing by Chelsea on the opening day of the season West Brom got stronger and stronger throughout the first part of the season. However the Baggies have been on the end of some unlucky results and now find themselves just three points above the relegation zone.
They were unlucky not to get anything out of their clash with United last week as Peter Odemwingie missed from the penalty spot. This will be a tight affair but the Baggies might be able to get all three points from this one and compound Hughes’ misery.
Surprise package Blackpool keep plodding along in the Premier League picking up points when nobody expects them to.
The Tangerines host Birmingham on Wednesday as they look to consolidate their place in the top half of the table (Blackpool 13/10, draw 23/10, Birmingham 21/10).
Birmingham however have slipped into the three despite a win over Chelsea and a draw against United. Alex McLeish will be desperate to get an important away win and they should get something from this game.
Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.