Stoke’s brawn holds no fears for Ferguson

Alex Ferguson is preparing to roll the welcome mat out for Stoke’s “jolly green giants”, insisting they hold no fears for Manchester United.

In eight games since the Potters returned to the top flight in 2008, they have collected just a single point against United.

Only Chelsea (two in nine) have enjoyed similar success, with Stoke taking eight points from nine games with both Arsenal and Manchester City, and 11 off Liverpool from a similar number of fixtures.