Match Preview: Manchester United vs Sunderland

Manchester United v Sunderland

Last Sunday’s hard-fought, last-gasp victory at the Etihad stretched United’s lead at the top of the table to an attractive 6 points. There’s a long way to go, of course, but considering the lengthy injury list already suffered this season, as well as sustained periods of kamikaze defending, it’s a surprisingly healthy advantage to hold. With a kind festive fixture list – including a Santa-sized splattering of home matches (3 of next 4 at OT) – going into the New Year with, at the very least, the current gap of 6 points maintained is a realistic possibility. First up, Sunderland at Old Trafford, in a more-frequent-this-season-or-is-it-just-me 3pm Saturday kick-off.

Sunderland, who picked up only their third victory of the season against Reading in midweek, currently lie one point above the drop-zone in 15^th place. After spending relatively heavily in the summer, their season is not panning out in the way their fans, and manager Martin O’Neil, had anticipated. A win at Old Trafford, while being their second away victory of the season, could also be enough to see them rise one place in the table, above neighbours Newcastle, who, ironically, play Manchester City in the early kick-off.
United were unstoppable against City and certainly showed them they were not down and out after last season’s derby losses and the title loss. We are back and ready to fight to get our trophy back this season. Sunderland on the other hand are a completely different team from last season. They have only just got out of the relegation places after beating Reading on Monday evening. It could inspire them to do well at Old Trafford, a stadium where they have never won in the Premier League, in fact they have only beaten United once in the Premier League in the 22 matches played.

United have been boosted with the news that Nemanja Vidic will play some part in tomorrows match and that Shinji Kagawa will return to training next week, we are close to becoming a fully fit side just when we will need it the most. Sunderland on the other hand may miss a few players tomorrow with former United player Phil Bardsley being the notable name missing.

One thing we can be sure of is that it will be a good match tomorrow and a win is the only option for United to get the advantage on their rivals, we cannot have any complacency this season, even if City lose.

Wayne Rooney on playing Sunderland: “If there is one team that I want to beat this season it will be Sunderland.”

He was referring to, of course, the celebrations of the Sunderland fans at end of the final match of last season. A news filtered through of City’s last-gasp win, the home fans cheered as though their own side had won the title. It was disappointing to see, and something the United players clearly remember. While Sir Alex Ferguson has this week stated that “revenge won’t come into anything on Saturday”, it will be impossible to suppress one or two lingering anti-Sunderland feelings in the collective Red mind. Fully expect to see some choice celebrations from both home players and fans should United score. (Of course they’ll score!)

Anders Lindegaard has declared himself available again after missing last week’s derby when his wife went into labour. Fingers crossed he takes a seat on the bench, allowing de Gea to continue in goal. While Fergie will no doubt throw several selection curve-balls between now and May, I don’t see him making another goalkeeping change tomorrow.

In defence, Jonny Evans has been ruled out with the hamstring injury he picked up at the Etihad last week. While his loss is a blow, having captain Nemanja Vidic available again negates some of this disappointment. While he may only be fit enough for a place on the bench, expect him to feature at some point. With minutes needed for several players before the busy festive period, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling should also feature. With an 8 day gap until our next league fixture – Swansea (A) – and the beginning of the Christmas programme, Saturday’s match is the perfect opportunity to get some game-time on the clock.

After an energetic, composed performance against City, it would be disappointing not to see Tom Cleverley line up in the centre of midfield again. His partnership with Michael Carrick was one of the major plus points of the win and deserves another opportunity to evolve. But, again, with the Christmas period fast approaching, changes could be likely. Antonio Valencia returned last week but still looks far from his best – but take into account it was his first game since his own injury lay-off, of course – and Danny Welbeck could come into the side in his place. On the other side, Ashley Young continued a mini-renaissance in form with another effective display at City and could keep his place on the left-hand side.

Up top, Wayne Rooney should start, given his comments in relation to Sunderland this week. He’ll be chomping at the bit (as usual, I know) to see off the Black Cats and, having been ill in the week, and an 8 day rest period after the game, he should play to keep up his all-too-easily-depleted fitness levels. Robin van Persie could be due a weekend off, with Javier Hernandez ready and able to come in if Fergie sees fit. Again, topping up competitive minutes before the busy weeks to come is crucial. Expect several changes and/or substitutions.

Predicted United line-up: De Gea, Jones, Smalling, Ferdinand, Evra, Welbeck, Cleverley, Carrick, Young, Rooney, Hernandez

SUMMARY

With second-placed City playing in the weekend’s early kick-off, United will go into the game knowing whether their lead has been cut by 3 points, or can be extended to 9. Either way, after the events witnessed at the end of last season, motivation to win will not be lacking (not that it ever is, of course). Sunderland will travel to Old Trafford in decent spirits flowing their midweek win, and will know, also after the early kick-off, whether they can leapfrog rivals Newcastle United in the table. Regardless, they will provide a stern test, despite their relatively mediocre away record. Martin O’Neill will have them organised and hard to beat; United will have to show glimpses (hopefully more!) of the great attacking display – especially in the first half – witnessed at the Etihad last week. Entering the festive period a potential 9 points clear will be a massive fillip to the side. As will seeing Nemanja Vidic back on the Old Trafford green, of course.

Score prediction: United 2-0 Sunderland