Manchester United vs Sunderland Prediction
Manchester United vs Sunderland – Manchester United to win 3-0; United suffered a huge setback last week against Swansea City (lost to the Swans both the times this season) last week and will be looking to make a statement here. Sunderland need the victory but lacks the strength or confidence to overcome the might of United. One goal early on and the flood gates might open for United.
Manchester United
United captain Wayne Rooney has been on a 8 game goal drought
United have been riding their luck for the past few months but last week finally saw their luck running out. Form wise they are have put together a decent run of results picking up 10 from their last 5 league games.
With the race for the Champions League spots becoming increasingly tighter each week United can’t afford to lose games like they did against Swansea City. United are increasingly looking like they will fall short of the Champions League places add this to the fact that they still have to play teams from the Top 7 apart from Southampton.
Louis Van Gaal era began with a lot of optimism but they now this reign is filled with moans and groans from the fans. You can’t blame because Louis Van Gaal still doesn’t have a club about his best team despite 2/3rd of the season being over.
However United’s defeat against Swansea last week was only their second defeat in 20 Cup and League matches and will be looking to return to their winning ways against Sunderland.
United’s ace striker Robin Van Persie will miss the game due to an ankle injury but they can take relief in the fact that Micheal Carrick is fit again and has returned back to training.
Wayne Rooney has been on a goal drought having failed to score in the last eight league matches.
Sunderland
The Sunderland manager is looking for answers to turn this season around
Sunderland comes into this match on the back of a 0-0 draw versus West Brom last week. They have won just 4 games all season and have drawn 13 games (The highest in the league).
Their inability to put teams away seems them 16th in table and just three points above drop zone. Sunderland has won just one game since Christmas and now has the difficult task of visiting Old Trafford.
Sunderland became the first and only team till date to drop points at home to fellow strugglers QPR. Like Louis Van Gaal, Gus Poyet still has no clue on what his best team is.
Sunderland won the same fixture last season by a single goal which was their first victory at Old Trafford in their history. Sunderland are on track to break the record of most draws in a single season (Currently at 17 set by Newcastle and Aston Villa in the 03/04 and 06/07 seasons respectively).
Sunderland have been dealt a huge blow with the news that Emanuele Giaccherini is out for the rest of the season after undergoing an ankle surgery.
The other absentees include Billy Jones and Jack Rodwell both of whom have still not fully recovered from their injuries.
Past Meeting
The last time these teams met this season the game ended 1-1 with Mata opening the scoring for United and Rodwell then equalising for Sunderland.
Where they are in the table
4th – Manchester United – 26 games – 47 points
16th – Sunderland – 26 games – 25 points
