United vs. Sunderland Match Preview

Manchester United:

Injuries: Robin van Persie will be out without a reported timetable for return thanks to an ankle injury picked up in the match against Swansea. Carrick’s return will likely have to wait another week as, according to van Gaal, he needs more match rhythm.

Last 5 matches: W-W-D-W-L

Likely formation: 4-1-3-2

Storyline:

Following a 2-1 defeat to Swansea last week, United look to regain their footing and capture three crucial points towards a tight race for the top four and a berth in next season’s Champions League. United currently sit in 4^th, one point behind Arsenal and one point ahead of Southampton, so there is no room for comfort, especially with a tough slate of games to finish the season. In a seven game stretch starting March 9th, United will face Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool, Aston Villa, City, Chelsea, and Everton, in that order. I reckon United will need to secure approximately 27 points in the final 13 games to secure a place in the UCL, so three points against Sunderland is a must.

With van Persie out due to injury, who will start as the two strikers remains to be seen. Falcao, Wilson, and Rooney are all available as the most natural choices, and I expect to see Rooney and Falcao. Given Falcao’s form this season, though, I could see van Gaal using Wilson instead. The right side of the defense will also be something to keep an eye, specifically who van Gaal elects to use in right central defense and who he choose between Rafael, McNair, and Valencia at right back.

Expect United to continue to dominate possession, but the result of the game will likely depend on the quality of chances they can create from that possession. United’s midfield will need to provide proper service to the strikers and quick passing. As such, I hope to see Fellaini on the bench for the game unless United are desperate late in the game, which wouldn’t surprise me.

Sunderland:

Injuries: Jones, Rodwell, and Giaccherini

Last 5 matches: L-W-D-L-D

Likely formation: 4-4-2

Storyline:

Sunderland enter this matchup struggling, having dropped 10 points in the last five matches. At only three points clear of the relegation zone, Sunderland, like United though for different reasons, have little room for error. In the last round of the FA Cup, Sunderland lost to League One side Bradford City, so Gus Poyet must be feeling the pressure to win or at least hold their own versus United. Jermaine Defoe and Steven Fletcher will provide a decent attacking duo with Sebastian Larsson creating from the midfield.

Like other teams that have faced United this season, expect Sunderland to play counter attacking football. When United’s defense has been caught on the break thus far this season, it has not been pretty, most recently in Swansea’s game winning goal last week. If Sunderland can stay organized in defense for the duration of the game and capitalize on the few chances they’ll most likely get, United could be in for a second straight upset which would put Champions League football in jeopardy.

Prediction: United 3 – 1 Sunderland