On Boxing Day, Manchester United welcome David Moyes back to Old Trafford who is now the manager of Sunderland. This game is vital for both sides but for very different reasons. Manchester United, after their recent resurgence in form, will be keen on keeping up their winning run and put pressure on their top-four rivals.
On the other hand, a win could give Sunderland some breathing space in the relegation battle. They are 18th now in the table and a win against Manchester United would certainly pick their morale up.
Manchester United have hit a good run of form, after their abysmal start to the season. Their three straight Premier League wins leave them just four points off the top four. But after the poor start to the season they had, every point is crucial, especially points available at home against a relegation battling team.
Despite being a much inferior side on paper, Sunderland are unlikely to be a cakewalk for United. They will certainly come up with everything they have got to trouble the Red Devils.
Team news
Manchester United
Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Eric Bailly and Henrikh Mkhitaryan will both return to the Manchester United squad, while Luke Shaw remains out.
Sunderland
Sunderland have quite a few players out through injury. Billy Jones, Steven Pienaar, Jack Rodwell, and Javier Manquillo all have a shot to play but are unlikely to pass the fitness test. They’ll also be missing Duncan Watmore, Jan Kirchhoff, Paddy McNair, Lee Cattermole, and Lynden Gooch through long-term injuries.
Predicted lineups
Manchester United (4-3-3): De Gea; Valencia, Jones, Rojo, Darmian; Carrick, Herrera, Pogba; Mkhitaryan, Rooney; Ibrahimovic
Sunderland (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Love, Kone, Djilobodji, van Aanholt; Denayer, Ndong; Borini, Januzaj, Anichebe; Defoe
Key players
Manchester United: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Despite some finishing struggles, Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s debut season has gotten off to a fantastic start. The Swedish striker’s 11 Premier League goals put him third in the Premier League, behind only Alexis Sanchez and Diego Costa. We have to wait and see if the Swedish superstar can keep up his form when he spearheads the United against Sunderland.
Sunderland: Victor Anichebe
Since signing for Sunderland on deadline day things have gone pretty well for Victor Anichebe. He has scored three goals in eight appearances, only six of which were starts. He has been impressive in a wide target man role and will be looking to impress against the Red Devils.
Odds
Manchester United win @1/4
Draw @3/1
Sunderland win @12/5
