Sunderland vs Manchester United - Match Preview
Manchester United go into the Premier League this weekend on the back of a morale boosting 1-0 win against Valencia in UEFA Champions’ League. While their opponents Sunderland would also be on a high after a hard fought 2-2 draw
against Liverpool at home last weekend. The Black Cats will be looking to hold off the Red Devils to a draw and stay in top half of the table.
Steve Bruce, a former Manchester United player and the manager of Sunderland, has said that first choice goalkeeper Craig Gordon would not be selected. Instead he would opt for Simon Mignolet.
Manchester United however are also not without their own problems. Wayne Rooney is still out with an ankle injury and veteran winger Ryan Giggs is also not available. Red Devils will once again have to dig deep in the squad to
put together a playing XI to get 3 points away from home. United struggled too against Valencia in the midweek Champions League match but did come home with a dramatic late winner by Javier Hernandez, following some great piece of work from Nani and Federico
Macheda.
The Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov has been in good form and should be in the starting XI. Hernandez after his late winner should also be in line to get a call up to start. Sunderland are also not short on attacking options,
the attacking pair of Darren Bent and the Ghana world cup star Asamoah Gyan have been in top form this season. The duo has been scoring goals for fun this season, and especially at home they have looked most menacing.
As far as the midfield for the visitors is concerned, the manager may want to rest few players that played in Spain. However, he does not have too many options in the tank to make big changes.
Park Ji-Sung did not have a great game against Valencia, but may still get another start; Nani will once again take the right wing. Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher will marshal the centre of midfield, while returning from injury
the Brazilian Anderson will be on the left flank. Ferguson, as he has done in the recent past will not hesitate to make use of his bench. The likes of Macheda, and Michael Owen, may be called into action if late inspiration is needed.
Chelsea and Arsenal both are posing serious challenge for the title this season, and United would have to stop giving away points in charity if they are to keep a strong hold on the title challenge. United will also be hoping that
Arsenal come away with all 3 points against Chelsea and if Manchester United manage to win against Sunderland this will put them on top of the table at the end of the weekend.
Sunderland will be hoping to play possession game and make sure that they frustrate the former champions. Manchester United is a team that thrives on possession and needs some ball time to get their game going. If the home side’s
plans come off United may have a match on their hand.
Looking at the big picture United should be firm favourites, but the resolve of home side should never be counted out. After all the man in charge is a former prodigy of Sir Alex Ferguson and would know a thing or two about his
former boss.
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