Sunderland vs Man Utd Preview, Team News, Likely Line-ups & Predicted Score

Premier League action gets back underway this weekend after the two-week international break and league leaders Manchester United travel north to face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon.

United head into the game holding a commanding 15-point lead over second-placed Manchester City and only a catastrophic collapse would see Sir Alex Ferguson’s men fail to regain the Premier League title this season.

Fergie’s men arrive on Wearside in devastating form having won their last six games and have dropped just four points from a possible 51, so it’s no surprise that the Scot has his eye on Chelsea’s record points haul of 95.

If Sunderland’s task couldn’t be any more difficult, Martin O’Neill’s side have been dragged into the relegation dog-fight after failing to win in their last seven games.

The Black Cats are now just four points off the drop zone and will need to start picking up points quickly, but will have their work cut out to take anything from Saturday’s clash with United.

Team News

Sunderland have been dealt a double injury blow ahead of the game with striker Steven Fletcher and club captain Lee Cattermole both being ruled out for the rest of the season. Fletcher suffered ankle ligament damage playing for Scotland while Cattermole has recently undergone knee surgery.

However, O’Neill should be able to call upon the services of Stephane Sessegnon and David Vaughan with both men expected to shake off groin problems, but defender Carlos Cuellar is out with an ankle injury.

Sir Alex may opt to rotate his squad with Monday’s FA Cup quarter final clash with Chelsea in mind. Striker Robin van Persie may get a rest along with Javier Hernandez and Antonio Valencia who arrived back late from their midweek long-haul trips.

Nani, Phil Jones and Paul Scholes could be in contention after returning to training but the trio may be held back for Monday. otherwise United have no fresh injury worries to contend with.

Likely Line-ups

Predicted Score

United have an excellent record against Sunderland, winning 17 of 23 league games against the northerners and Fergie’s men arrive in stunning form. So I can only see an away here. Sunderland 0-2 Man Utd

What would be your starting eleven and whats your predicted score for the game? Get involved in the comments section below.