Nick Hext is backing Manchester United for a simple win when struggling Stoke visit Old Trafford on Monday night.
Monday Night Football bets
2pts Manchester United to beat Stoke to nil at evens
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Manchester United v Stoke City (2000 GMT, Sky Sports Main Event)
The latest round of Premier League matches ends with Manchester United hosting Stoke at Old Trafford for Sky Sports' Monday Night Football entertainment.
It won't surprise you that United are long odds-on across the board to defeat the Potters and I will join the bookies in less than controversially expecting a home win.
Stoke, at the time of writing, remain managerless following Mark Hughes' sacking in the immediate aftermath of the 2-1 defeat at Coventry of Sky Bet League Two in the FA Cup.
That was a third defeat in a row for the Potters and they have lost eight of their previous 11 outings.
Stoke, now under the caretaker leadership of Eddie Niedzwiecki, have failed to score in five of those defeats and I reckon anything around the even-money mark for United to win to nil on Monday night is well worth taking.
The Red Devils have only lost to Premier League leaders Manchester City in their 16 games at Old Trafford this season and they've won 10 of them without conceding a goal.
However, goals haven't been flowing in recent weeks for Jose Mourinho's men. United have failed to net more than twice since winning 3-1 at Arsenal in the opening weekend of December.
I expect United to end that sequence here, but the best way for profit is in going for a routine win to nil for the heavy favourites. One goal might well be enough to see off struggling Stoke.
Prediction: Manchester United 3-0 Stoke City (Sky Bet's odds: 6/1)
Posted at 1255 GMT on 13/01/18.
SPORTING LIFE SPECIAL
Mythical Madness to win & Man United to beat Stoke to nil - was 11/2, NOW 6/1!