Manchester United needed a late goal from Zlatan Ibrahimović to take even a point from their home game against Everton earlier this week. They are back in action this weekend when they travel to the Stadium of Light to face one of their former managers in David Moyes.
The Black Cats are in atrocious form and are favourites to go down, but they have what it takes to cause an upset on the night. So United have to be on the top of their game if they are to take all three points comfortably from this tie.
There are a number of clashes in this game between players in the middle that can decide the outcome of the game and here are three key battles between the two sides that are sure to entertain the neutrals:
Paul Pogba vs Lee Cattermole:
Though not at his best in the previous game against Leicester City, Cattermole is expected to keep his place in the side for this game but he will be up against an exciting player in Paul Pogba in the midfield of this game.
The French international will hope to have an influential game but will have to deal with Cattermole, who will not be afraid to ruffle him up. Pogba has also not been productive in the last few games and if the Sunderland man can land the first blow, Pogba may well endure a tough outing all throughout this game.
Zlatan Ibrahimović vs Lamine Kone:
The Swedish international scored his 16th goal in the Premier League against Everton earlier in the week and is back in form after coming back from an injury. He is a target man who has been effective for Manchester United and Sunderland will have to keep him quite to take anything from this game.
That will be the responsibility of one Lamine Kone at the back for the home side. Kone, though not superb, has been the best defender for Sunderland this season and he will be up against at tricky customer this weekend in Zlatan. Surely this battle can decide the outcome of this game.
Jermain Defoe vs Marcos Rojo:
Though Sunderland have struggled in front of goal this season, Jermain Defoe has been playing on another level. The 34-year old has 14 goals and two assists to his name this season and is in top form.
He will be the danger man for United in this game and Defoe is expected to play on the shoulder of Rojo and will try to get the better of the Argentine. Rojo has done well in a makeshift role but if there is anyone who can expose his shortcomings, it is the English striker from Sunderland. Surely, Rojo will have a tough task, keeping Defoe away from goal.
