Both Manchester United or Sunderland need all three points tomorrow in order to keep pace with those around them, but each team is in a different scenario. Three points for United mean they keep pace with or pull ahead of Arsenal, Southampton, Liverpool, and Spurs. Three points for Sunderland sees them pull further away from the relegation zone with seven teams on either side of Sunderland within three points of them. Last time out, the teams played to a 1-1 draw as Juan Mata opened up the scoring eighteen minutes in, but Jack Rodwell struck on the half hour mark to level it. At that point, that was United's only point in what was supposed to be a manageable set of fixtures to kick off Louis van Gaal's reign but to no avail United struggled.
Manchester United are coming off of a 2-1 loss at the Liberty Stadium against Swansea last week. The Red Devils opened up the scoring with a beautiful team goal which Ander Herrera struck well to find the back of the net, but a quick equaliser by Ki and a Shelvey strike which took a wicked deflection off Gomis was United's undoing. This meant they would fall to fourth just a point behind Arsenal, but three teams (Southampton, Liverpool, and Spurs) are all a victory away from taking over United. The home side managed by Louis van Gaal have shown their inability to defend showing defensive lapses throughout every game, but star keeper David de Gea has been there to save the day in most cases. Their shaky defence is followed up by some of the best attackers in the world, but those players have not performed as well with the likes of Angel Di Maria, Wayne Rooney, Falcao, and Robin van Persie all struggling. Tomorrow, only Robin van Persie is going to be the only player out with an injury after damaging ankle ligaments in last week's loss to Swansea City.
The Black Cats last game was a poor showing with a 0-0 draw against West Brom Albion. Currently, Sunderland is hovering near the relegation zone just three points from safety. As previously stated, there are seven teams on either side of Sunderland within three points of them. Burnley, Villa, and QPR are all just a win away from levelling Sunderland on points, but a Sunderland victory would see them tied with Everton and pass Hull, West Brom, and Crystal Palace. The side is managed by the eccentric Gus Poyet. As you should all remember from last season, his spectacular Houdini act at the end of the season saved the side from relegation. Their team is led by a backline made up of ex-United players, John O'Shea and Wes Brown, and their attack is led by newly bought Jermain Defoe and Adam Johnson. Currently, Sunderland have four players on the injury list with Will Buckley being the only doubt for tomorrow's game, and Giaccherini (ankle), Jones (ankle), and Rodwell (calf) all out. Sunderland is going to have quite a challenge on their hands tomorrow with United pushing for a top four spot and nearly full strength. United should see off Sunderland comfortably tomorrow, but don't be surprised if Sunderland can find the back of the net off of a United defensive lapse.