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Rio's return vital for Stoke trip

Sir Alex Ferguson is counting on Rio Ferdinand’s experience when United meet Stoke City at the Britannia on Saturday.

The Reds defender, who has started only two of the team’s five league fixtures this term and missed last weekend’s 3-1 win against Chelsea with a calf strain, will provide United a big boost should he be fit to face the Potters.

Trips to Stoke are notoriously tough, with the home fans among the league’s most vociferous and Tony Pulis’ players providing robust, physical opposition. And although the Reds have won on every trip to the Britannia since Stoke were reinstated to the top flight in 2008, no victory has come easy.

“I’m hoping Rio will be okay for Saturday,” Sir Alex said, speaking exclusively to ManUtd.com. “When you go to Stoke you need a bit of experience.

“Rio came into the team when we played at Bolton and gave us that experience, so we hope he'll be fit for Saturday."

The manager was less optimistic about Chris Smalling’s chances of playing on Saturday evening, however, admitting the young defender was “a doubt” after limping off with a groin injury midway through the Chelsea match.