Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes that his team will face a "difficult" battle against struggling side Stoke City this weekend.

The Red Devils can edge closer to clinching the Premier League title with a victory over the Potters, who are three points away from relegation.

"It's still a difficult place to go to," Sky Sports News quotes Ferguson as saying. "Ask any manager and player you know you have to perform to get a result there.

"It's one of those grounds where they have a great support and the atmosphere is always guaranteed so we have a job to do."

United can restore their 15-point lead at the top of the table due to Manchester City's focus on the FA Cup on Sunday.