Manchester United's domestic season has been quite wonderful, losing only one game and trailing neighbour Manchester City in the Premier League standings. But Louis Van Gaal's side was created to reach the top, and their main concern this Saturday will be to avoid any surprises against Sunderland, a team that hasn't been able to win a single game this season, which has them ranked last in the league's standings.
While the Red Devils may seem to be a safe bet for anyone, the Black Cats could end up shocking their hosts on Saturday evening, given coach Dick Advocaat's knowledge of how LVG likes to prepare for each game.
Manchester United
After an easy midweek victory in the Capital One Cup, the Red Devils will try to keep up with Manchester City in the EPL title race, but to do so, captain Wayne Rooney and rookie sensation Anthony Martial will have to show all their skills to help the hosts. Martial's three goals in two EPL games have proven all of his haters wrong, and he will surely try to add to that tally when he meets against the Black Cats' struggling defense.
Luke Shaw and Marcos Rojo will not be available to play for Van Gaal's side, while Morgan Schneiderlin and Michael Carrick will be looking to start Saturday's game after taking the day off last Wednesday. United has only conceded one goal while playing at Old Trafford, a number which David De Gea will want to keep as it is right now.
Sunderland
Coach Dick Advocaat may be getting desperate for not being able to win yet, but this game could give his side the needed ego boost to make an early comeback in the league. In order to do so, the Black Cats will have to rely on Jermaine Defoe, the team's top scorer this year. Although he struggled with a couple of physical problems this week, the Dutch coach expects him to perform against the Red Devils, while Adam Matthews has been ruled out of this match and Jack Rodwell's presence seems dubious to say the least.
Advocaat's main concern for Saturday's game will be his defense. Currently, the Black Cats are the EPL team with the most goals allowed (13) and the worst goal difference (-7). Certainly, Younes Kaboul's comeback will give the team some stability in the back, but the rest of the team's defenders will have to step up their performances if they want to help the team in the attempt to bounce back.
Head to head
As surprising as it may seem, Sunderland has won three of the last six meetings against Manchester United considering every competition. The Black Cats managed to walk away with all the points back in 2014, after shocking their hosts 1-0. Nevertheless, the last meeting between these two sides ended up with United getting all the points with a 2-0 scoreline. This result shouldn't be considered a surprise, since Sunderland paved the way for United's win after having Wes Brown sent off, something that he will try to avoid this time around.
Man United vs Sunderland team sheets:
Man United lineup: De Gea; Valencia, Smalling, Blind, Darmian; Schneiderlin, Carrick; Mata, Rooney, Memphis; Martial
Man United bench: Romero, Jones, Herrera, Schweinsteiger, Pereira, Young, FellainiRomero, Jones, Herrera, Schweinsteiger, Pereira, Young, Fellaini
Sunderland lineup: Pantilimon, Jones, van Aanholt, O'Shea (c), Kaboul, Cattermole, M'Vila, Johnson, Toivonen, Lens, Borini
Sunderland bench: Larsson, Gomez, Defoe, Coates, Yedlin, Fletcher, Mannone
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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