Whelan doubt but Wilko returns

Stoke boss Tony Pulis says Glenn Whelan is only "50-50" for the trip to Manchester United but Andy Wilkinson returns following his ban.

Midfielder Whelan, who came off in the 0-0 draw at Liverpool with a hamstring problem last time out, missed the Republic of Ireland's World Cup qualifiers against Germany and the Faroe Islands with the injury. He has made good progress but remains a big doubt for the tough trip to Old Trafford on Saturday. Defender Wilkinson, however, is available for selection again after he completed his three-match ban and is tipped to come straight back into Pulis' starting line-up. Michael Owen will hope to be involved against his former club but the striker is still struggling with a minor hamstring injury and is likely to have to settle for a place on the bench at best.