Barclays Premier League: Sunderland vs Manchester United: Match Preview

                   VERSUS
                 Stadium of Light
                      30th March, 2013

Sunderland face Manchester United who require a victory more than anything. Still languishing at the wrong side of the table, they need to produce something to get a result against the rampaging leaders who have been in top form this season and have all but won the title.

We will give you top facts, figures, probable line ups, men to watch and prediction for this one, plus atmosphere surrounding the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland Association Football Club

Probable Line up:

Formation: 4-5-1

Mignolet, O'Shea, Cuellar, Gardner, Rose, Johnson, Sessengnon, Colback, McClean, Vaughan, Graham

News:

The news of injury to star-man Steven Fletcher came at the worst possible time for Sunderland manager Martin O' Niell. All season long Sunderland have been lacking a consistent and potent goal threat, relying heavily on Steven Fletcher to fire the goals. His absence will surely dent Sunderland's hopes in this one, but a new recruit in Danny Graham must be savoring this game to make a necessary impact and win the hearts of the Black Cats Fans. Furthermore, livewire and hope for Sunderland, Adam Johnson, has picked up in terms of performance and has notched up two assists in the last three games. He is another one that needs to perform if Sunderland want to do something in this one.

Men to Watch:

Craig Gardner:

He will be looking to crack some shots off free kicks or volleys, and he has been in decent goal scoring form as well. He is the second highest goal scorer for the Black Cats notching up 6 goals, that tells the sorry state of Sunderland in front of goal too. Changed into a Right back position, he has looked comfortable both offensively and defensively also notching up 2 assists. He will whip some in and that looks like the best source of a goal for Sunderland as well; considering their out and out striker Fletcher is injured.

Form:

I should not be writing about their form because it is appalling to say the least. 2 points from a possible 18 and just 2 wins in the entire 2013 year Sunderland are the worst team in the league as far as form is concerned. They need to pick up some points not only to ensure safety in epl but to ensure O' Neill stays on for another season at the club.

TOP FACT: SUNDERLAND LAST WON AGAINST MANCHESTER UNITED ON 28 NOV 2000

Manchester United 

Probable Line up:

Formation: 4-4-1-1

Da Gea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Buttner, Rafael, Anderson, Cleverly, Young, Valencia, Rooney, Van Persie.

News:

The Red Devils are enjoying a comfortable season, 15 points ahead with 9 games to go, they might even afford to give some of their big stars a rest in this one, but considering Sir Alex and his obsession to win back the title, he might put out his strongest available squad. With Carrick starting both games for England, he might get a rest and with both Rooney and Van Persie notching up goals for their respective countries, that partnership will be looking to put Sunderland to the sword this time as well. Both enjoy playing against the Wear-side club and they will be looking to perform again.

Men to Watch:

Wayne Rooney:

He likes playing against Sunderland, and his record will suggest that as well. Goals in his last two games against Sunderland makes him a hot pick to score again this weekend. Plus, the agony of not winning against Montenegro will fuel him up even more. His EPL form is not bad either with 5 goals in his last 6 games.

 Form:

The best in form meet the last in form, 18 points from a possible 18 has seen Manchester United roar into a 15 points lead at the top. They will be looking at this fixture with a chance to make it 18 before Manchester City play their next game.

TOP FACT: MANCHESTER UNITED HAVE ONLY FAILED TO SCORE TWICE AGAINST SUNDERLAND IN THEIR LAST 19 ENCOUNTERS

Prediction:

Sunderland 1- 1 Manchester United

Manchester United have not had a dip in form all season and this fixture may get tricky for them. With a lot of players away for friendlies, there is bound to be minimal training before this one, if there is one fixture that can spring a surprise it is this one, if United go on and win this, there will be no blip in form for them in their march to an unprecedented 20th league title.