Manchester United vs Sunderland: Three Key Battles That Will Decide The Result

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.

2. Jermain Defoe vs United’s centre backs

United might have the fourth best defensive record in the Premier League, but their performance against Swansea showed just how vulnerable they still are defensively. Their ability to defend set pieces is far from convincing and they have shown that they aren’t very good at keeping their heads as well. Although Sunderland don’t score too many goals, they are still a threat from set pieces.

When Sunderland signed Defoe in January, many thought that it would either help keep them up or prove to be an expensive mistake particularly with the threat of relegation looming large. While his record of two goals from five games for the Black Cats isn’t bad, the visitors want him fit and firing for the rest of the season. And if the visitors are going to get anything from the game, they will need him to take his chances and hope the defense holds firm.

3. Wayne Rooney vs John O’Shea

Although his performances have been very good throughout the season, there were plenty of fans and pundits alike, who wanted him to be played up front. In the last few games, Louis Van Gaal seems to have finally come around to that idea and that has seen the Englishman take his first shot on target and goal in the last couple of weeks. Against a resolute Sunderland defense, the Red Devils need someone who can run in behind the defense and create problems and Rooney might just be the perfect man for the job, given the injuries to Robin Van Persie and James Wilson.

At the start of the season, John O’Shea was one of Sunderland’s most consistent performers. He was not only the captain, but also the side’s best defender, who was able to marshal his troops with consummate ease. In the past weeks, the Irishman has been a little shaky, but his side will need him to be on his game, especially now that Rooney will be playing up front.