Premier League: Stoke v Manchester United - Odds and Betting Preview

BRITANNIA STADIUM, STOKE-ON-TRENT – Stoke City host Premier League champions Manchester United on Saturday evening. Sir Alex Ferguson's side have had a perfect start to their season, and Stoke will have to fight tooth and nail to prevent United from winning their sixth consecutive league game of the season.

Unsurprisingly the red devils are firm favourites to win the fixture, and are available to do so at best odds of 8/15 (bet £15 to make £8 profit) with Ladbrokes and Coral. For those punters anticipating an upset, Stoke can be backed to win at 6/1 with Paddy Power, whilst the draw is available at 10/3 with Boylesports.

United are currently top of the league table, two points clear of rivals Manchester City. Ferguson's side have been impressive in both attack and defence already this season, scoring a dazzling 21 goals in five games, and conceding only four. As well as winning a crucial victory over Chelsea this weekend, United hammered Arsenal 8-2 and Bolton 5-0, with in-form Wayne Rooney scoring consecutive league hat-tricks.

Stoke were unbeaten in their first four league fixtures, but fans will have some cause for concern after a heavy 4-0 away loss at Sunderland on Sunday. Tony Pulis' side have to contend with a strenuous fixture list this campaign, competing in the Europa League alongside all domestic competitions as a result of their FA Cup final last season. Nonetheless, Stoke will be hoping to recapture their momentum in their tough league fixture against United on Saturday.

In the over/under betting the top price on over 2.5 goals being scored is 4/5 with Ladbrokes, whilst under 2.5 can be backed at 11/10 with Paddy Power. For those punters who feel that this fixture will be a feast of goals, over 5.5 is available at 10/1 with Betfair.

Wayne Rooney is currently the top scorer in the Premier League, with an astonishing nine goals already. It is unsurprising that bookmakers are favouring him to score first on Saturday, and he is quoted to do so at best odds of 7/2 with Paddy Power and Coral. His strike partner Javier Hernandez is available to break the deadlock at 9/2 with Skybet, whilst Stoke's top scorer Kenwyne Jones can be backed at best odds of 10/1 with Bet365.

United are quoted at best odds of 13/10 with StanJames to win the match after leading at half time, whilst draw/United is available at 7/2 with Coral. Alternatively, Stoke/Stoke can be backed at 11/1 with Betinternet, whilst the prospect of Stoke fighting back to win from behind at half time is available at a much longer 60/1 with Paddy Power.

Manchester United are currently favourites to win the Premier League this season, and are available to do so at best odds of 8/11 with Ladbrokes.

Saturday's fixture kicks off at 17.30 BST.

Stoke v Manchester United betting