Sunderland v Man Utd Preview

Match: Sunderland v Manchester United

Date: 30th March 2013

Time: 12:45

Competition: Premier League

Form: Sunderland - DLDLL Man Utd - WWWWW

Last Meeting: Man Utd 3-1 Sunderland

So we have the champions elect (pains me to say) against a side who are slipping further into relegation. Sunderland have gone on a terrible run and their next 2 fixtures, this and Chelsea away, could see them slip even further down. After these two games, they need points from 5 consecutive games, maybe around the 9-11 point mark. Then for me they should be clearly safe. While United are just waiting until they can collect the crown, I think they could do it if they win those games up until the derby, then win the derby which would be the perfect way. So this game has importance for both sides, in completely different ways.

Injuries could be Sunderland's downfall. Their missing Brown, Cattermole, Cuellar, Sessegnon and Fletcher. The latter two being the decisive duo. They need some big performances and goals from Wickham and Gardner and even more from the likes of Adam Johnson and McClean. Even Danny Graham. Seems the stage is set for the life long Newcastle fan. That might leave Martin O Neill no choice but to change formation and try something different. Man Utd are without Scholes, Nani, Jones and Flecther. But they have Cleverly, Valencia, Smalling and Carrick to replace.

Whatever the outcome, Sunderland need to look forward and give the best they can, without letting their heads drop, their fate is in their own hands. But I don't think they'll get anything here. Man United haven't played an away game since the 23rd of February. 0-2.