After losing for only the second time since November against Swansea last week, Manchester United will be looking to bounce back with a home win over relegation-threatened Sunderland. With the second-best home record in the league, the Red Devils will be looking for a win to move them back into third place and clear of their other contenders for a Champions League spot.
As far as the Wearsiders are concerned, although they are three points off the relegation zone, they are still far too close and will be hoping that a good result at Old Trafford will kick start another miraculous recovery to beat the drop. Here are the three key battles that will decide the outcome of this game.
1. Marouane Fellaini vs Lee Cattermole
If you are looking for players who are most likely to be sent off during Saturday’s game, it is most likely to be them. But at the same time, if you are looking for two players who will add a physical edge to their respective sides, it is also them. When Cattermole was out injured, the Black Cats really struggled, especially when it came to shielding their defense and providing a platform for the attack.
With him back now, it provides them with a solid base to build on and with Fellaini likely to play as a No.10, the duo will certainly come up against each other on more than one occasion. The home side will be hoping to make the most of the Belgian’s physicality and soften the Sunderland defense, which has at times this season, proven to be highly difficult to break down.