Premier League preview: Sunderland v Manchester United
For the sake of the north east’s eardrums, let’s hope that they have Sky Sports in the away changing room at the Stadium of Light.
Woe betide anyone at Sunderland who tells Sir Alex Ferguson that he can’t watch Liverpool’s game against Chelsea at Anfield – which takes place before this one on Sunday – as he’s preparing his team to face the Mackems, as in truth, it is events at Anfield that will shape the Scot’s frame of mind going into the match.
Should a tired Liverpool hold a rampant Chelsea at bay and earn a draw, then United would have the chance to open up a one-point lead going into the season’s final game. It would be two points if Liverpool win, but a Chelsea win would mean that United have to earn a victory at Sunderland to realistically keep the title race alive.
All very exciting then, but many United supporters are viewing Liverpool with suspicion, claiming that Reds won’t want to effectively hand the title – a 19th, record-breaking title – to their bitter rivals. Ferguson disagrees.
“Great clubs don't throw their history and traditions away for one game,” he said. “I think Liverpool will do their best on Sunday – they have to.”
As will United, and they’ll have to too.
On the face of it, Sunderland don’t have anything to play for. Firmly mid-table, they are guaranteed to finish in the no-man’s land between ninth and 13th this season, while those same conspiracy theorists pondering Liverpool’s attitude could also take a look at the close relationship between Black Cats boss Steve Bruce and his mentor Ferguson, not that Bruce sees it that way.
“We seriously believe we can win and really want to win too,” he says. “There is all this stuff about me just because I played there [United] for 10 years.
“What am I going to say to the players? ‘Oh, by the way lads, just forget it today. There will be near 50,000 here, we're live on the telly, every man and his dog wants to be here but please don't show up, just let them win, will you?’
“It is not going to happen. I am convinced we will play well because they will.”
Defiant words then, and with Darren Bent on a mission to finish as the Premier League’s top scorer – he’s two off Wayne Rooney, who should start on Sunday – and playing upfront alongside the giant Kenwyne Jones, Bruce’s men could throw a spanner in the works of United’s title challenge.
Ultimately though, the extra quality and desire of United should prove telling.
Their mood could be determined by what happens at Anfield earlier in the day, but Ferguson will be demanding a win whatever happens on Merseyside.
This might not be an old pal’s act, but only one of the friends will be smiling at full time.
Prediction: Sunderland 0 Manchester United 2
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