Manchester United were heart-broken after a late Chelsea equaliser denied them all 3 points. Frankly, they should be happy with the point as it was an evenly contested game. Sunderland, on the other hand, left their opponents Liverpool frustrated when the scored twice in the last 10 minutes at Anfield to return to a point. But, both teams will be looking to take all 3 points from this game. Sunderland have never defeated Manchester United at home in the Premier League but they will be fancying their chances against this injury-hit Manchester United side. The Black Cats sit 19th in the premier League table and will stay in the relegation places even if they emerge victorious in this game. The visitors Manchester United have no option but to win this game if they want to have any hope of playing in the Champions League next season. They are currently 6 points behind 4th placed Manchester City and this weekend provides them a great opportunity as all the top 4 teams play against each other.
Manchester United have lost Phil Jones, Guillermo Varela and Adnan Januzaj to injuries once again. Incidentally, all the three played the Under-21s game on Monday but picked up knocks while long-term absentees are still on the side-lines. Here is the expected Manchester United line-up:
Goalkeeper: David De Gea:
The Manchester United No.1’s heroics almost secured three points for his team but a late Chelsea fight back denied David De Gea another clean sheet. The Spaniard will however hope that he keeps one against the Black Cats.
Defence:
Cameron Borthwick-Jackson: The 19-year-old has been drafted into the first-team because of injuries to key players and has done a decent job at Left-Back for the Red Devils. He did well against Chelsea keeping Willian in check and was not too bad going forward either. Manchester United need more of the same from him.
Chris Smalling: Smalling will be expected to keep compatriot Jermain Defoe at bay. The Sunderland striker has scored 6 goals this year and Smalling has his task cut-out.
Daley Blind: He has to shoulder some of the blame for Chelsea’s equaliser because it was his slip that led to the goal. Expect him to come back strongly for this game.
Matteo Darmian: Darmian had another good game at Stamford Bridge and will be hoping to continue with his fine form.
Midfield:
Michael Carrick: Did what he does best against Chelsea and will look to control the game from the middle of the park.
Marouane Fellaini – Kept Chelsea’s midfielders in check and enjoyed the midfield battle at Stamford Bridge. He will have a more important attacking role in this game than the last.
Jesse Lingard– His second goal in as many games almost sealed the win for United and he will be looking to carry on with this goal-scoring exploits.
Juan Mata: Was at his best against Chelsea and covered more than 11 kilometres against his old club. Will be in thick of things against Sunderland in his preferred No.10 role.
Anthony Martial: Wasn’t at his best against Chelsea but with his pace and dribbling abilities he can trouble any defence on his day.
Attack
Wayne Rooney: The Manchester United captain is having a great 2016 and will like to keep it that way. He will be fancying his chances against a leaky Sunderland defence.