Pep Guardiola scooped up the Premier League manager of the month award after a September that saw his Manchester City side win all four games, scoring 17 goals in the process.

The pre-international break fortunes of both Manchester sides swapped on Saturday – a heavy scoreline which could be deceiving fell in City’s favour, while United surprised in looking like mere mortals.

Stoke have only conceded two goals in the season so far, and will be looking to stifle United’s already heavy-firing attack.

Wigan manager Gary Caldwell is hoping that his players can use Tuesday night’s rearranged fixture against Sheffield United to their advantage as they look for another three points at home.

Since the Premier League began in 1992, Manchester United boast as having the best Boxing Day record of any team in the competition.

Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart has criticised his colleagues for what he termed a ‘tough day’ as they suffered an ignominious 2-0 defeat at the hands of Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday.

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini says Sergio Agüero will miss his ninth match of the season as the Argentine looks likely to be sidelined against Stoke City.

Manchester City’s Joe Hart has for a long time been comfortable in his position as first-choice goalkeeper for both club and country, safe in his role and untroubled by underwhelming competition.

Matty Lund is keen to make up for lost time after returning to competitive action for Rochdale on Saturday.

Having succumbed 4-1 to the Potters in their midweek fourth round clash, Dale are aiming to get back on track when they visit Steven Pressley’s side at the Ricoh Arena.

Premier League Stoke City ran out 4-1 winners at Spotland Stadium thanks to goals from Bojan Krkic, Stephen Ireland, Victor Moses and Jonathan Walters, with Rhys Bennett notching for the League One hosts.