SUNDERLAND have been having a tremendous season in the Premier League this year, but they may not enjoy much festive cheer at Old Trafford on Boxing Day.
The Black Cats have used a superb home record to climb to 6th place in the Premier League, but Steve Bruce will head back to Manchester with a long list of players unavailable for this game. Influential midfielders Lee Cattermole (suspended) and Danny Welbeck (ineligible) will both be missing, while John Mensah’s injury has placed him in a very busy treatment room alongside another centreback, Titus Bramble, amongst others. Sunderland have managed to cope with their increasing selection problems with recent wins at home over Bolton and West Ham, but their away from has not been so impressive. Since an incredible 3-0 win at Stamford Bridge, Sunderland have lost at Wolves and drawn 0-0 at 16th place Fulham.
Manchester United, meanwhile, will have been delighted with recent events in the Premier League, as they have risen to the top of the pile. A 1-0 home win against Arsenal came in a game that was not, perhaps, filled with a tremendous amount of quality, but their 7-1 victory over Blackburn highlights the ability that the Red Devils have to really do damage to teams. The return of Vidic should help to sure up United’s already solid defence, and with Sunderland’s own injury hit backline, this could be a game too far the visitors.
Manchester United are not likely to take Sunderland lightly given their 0-0 draw at the Stadium of Light earlier in the season, and Sir Alex Ferguson’s side could be primed to produce a bag full of goals against depleted Sunderland. The Black Cats have survived injuries in recent contests, but the loss of Cattermole and Welbeck could be the rather large straws that break the camel’s back.
SUGGESTION:
Manchester United -1 HANDICAP WIN (5/6 @ 888sport)
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