Manchester United vs. Sunderland – Preview
For the football fans this Christmas brings double fiesta. Dozens of matches are following after Christmas on Sunday and at the start of next week. There are nine matches to be played on the Boxing Day. Last week most of the matches were postponed due to
Arctic wave that covered the England in snow. The results of these matches will shuffle the positions in the table. Manchester United is currently at the top of the table and they are due to play Sunderland at Old Trafford.
Manchester United has not lost a single match in this season. They started off slowly however they gained the momentum at the right time and now is serious contender for the title. Sunderland is placed at sixth spot, levelled in points with Tottenham at
five. Sunderland this year gave some gutsy performances and proved that they are threatening for any team. Steve Bruce is the manager for Sunderland team; a former Manchester United player will love to win against his own old club. He will be thinking to win
this match and seriously challenge fourth spot for clinching a European spot. Old Trafford is the hardest place to go and win, however three points there will double their Christmas celebrations.
Injury News
Veteran Paul Scholes is suffering with groin injury and is doubtful for the match. John O’Shea has calf problem and will not take part in the game. Duo has served Manchester United for years and will certainly be missed. Valencia is sideline for longer duration
as his ankle broke badly. Hargreaves returned and played for little duration, before he pulled his hamstring again. Nemaja Vidic and Anderson suffered flu virus but are reported to fully fit and functional. Manchester United will like to play with their full
strength and try to bag three crucial points. Sunderland has a long list of injured players. Bramble, Campbell and Turner are suffering with knee injury and are out of the game. Cattermole is facing suspension for a match and won’t be able to take part in
the match.
Trivial Stats
- Manchester United is eyeing their fourth consecutive premier league title and are on track with no defeat in this season.
- Ji-Sung Park has scored four goals in the last four home games
- Sunderland managed to keep nine clean sheets this season
- Sunderland has won only one away match this season and that was against Chelsea.
- Steve Bruce has clashed with Sir Alex Ferguson for 15 times and lost 11 and draw only four.
Players to watch
Dimitar Berbatov
Berbatov has scored 11 goals this season for Manchester United. He scored five goals in one match and currently is leading the goal tally in the table. When his day he is the best striker in the league. His linkage with Rooney is threatening for any defence
line up. Sunderland will be preparing hard to stop him from penetrating and score.
Darren Bent
English international Bent has netted seven times for Sunderland in the current season. With his pace and keenness to score, he can be a danger for Manchester United back four. He is good in the air with the headers and he makes his presence feel in the
box.