My Thoughts:
Sunderland gaffer Ricky Sbragia is a man under pressure. His gaffer, Niall Quinn (he with the discopants that are said to be the best) has already informed him that he has 9 games to save his job. Well, considering that the first 2 of those were meek surrenders by 1-0 and 2-0 at Manchester City and West Ham respectively, it's not gone well so far, and the Mackems are all of a sudden finding themselves right back in the relegation mire, although their cause will have been helped by Sbragia finally recalling The Best Goalkeeper In Europe (sic), Craig Gordon. Meanwhile, United's form of late has been somewhat patchy, Federico Macheda's wonder goal on his debut notwithstanding.
Sunderland have only 5 wins at home this season (5-3-7). Fortress Stadium of Light it is not. In front of goal, they are a peculiar sort. Back in December, they scored 4 goals in 2 consecutive games (OK, one of those games was against West Brom, but they still count), but since then have managed just 8 goals. Cisse and Diouf's goals have dried up at just the wrong time, this team could definitely still be a Championship side next season. Manchester United's loss of form has coincided with the departure through injury and/or suspension of a number of key players, however Vidic, Rooney and Scholes all returned on Tuesday night, and Ferdinand and Anderson could be in contention for this match.
The Verdict
This pundit cannot see past an away win, possibly of a similar ilk to the 4-0 victory for United last season on Wearside. Earlier this season, the Mackems played a 10-0-0 formation at Old Trafford, which managed to frustrate United for 90 minutes. Unfortunately for them, when United are not winning, a large amount of stoppage time tends to get played, and in this period Nemanja Vidic plundered a winning goal. I don't see it being so tight this time
The Bet
United to win (best price 1/2 with bet365)
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