Manchester United and Sunderland will square off in a Premier League season matchup at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, August 24, 2014 at 8:00 A.M. Pacific, 16:00 BST.
MANCHESTER UNITED
After suffering a disastrous result against Swansea City last weekend, Manchester United looks to rebound and capture three points at the Stadium of Light on Sunday. Manchester United suffered their first defeat in a home-opener for the first time in 42 years under new manager Louis Van Gaal. The Dutch manager’s first ever Premier League match ended in a disappointing 2-1 loss with Wayne Rooney scoring the only goal for United.
Manchester United, after what was a phenomenal pre-season under Van Gaal, failed to carry the success and momentum. United, who saw themselves in 7th place after 38 matches last season under David Moyes, look for a huge comeback this season and to finish atop the league. But the prospect of that occurring has suddenly fallen after Van Gaal saw his first defeat as the boss at Old Trafford last Saturday.
However, the addition of once unfit Robin van Persie to the starting lineup will certainly bolster United’s chances to score goals and win.
SUNDERLAND
Meanwhile, Gus Poyet’s side, who finished only 5 points above relegation zone last season, began their Barclays Premier League 2014-2015 campaign with a 2-2 draw against West Bromwich Albion, with Lee Cattermole and Sebastian Larsson scoring the first and the last goals of the match, respectively. For Poyet’s side the start was not as disappointing as United’s, as Sebastian Larsson scored the equalizer with only 5 minutes of normal time remaining. Sunderland’s attackers will be looking to capitalize on United’s poor defensive alignment as seen at times in Red Devils’ first fixture against Swansea City. In contrary to Man United’s squad that has eight injured first-team players, Gus Poyet’s side looks fit enough with only one starter, Emanuele Giaccherini, not ready for action on Sunday for the Black Cats.
Click here to see a full analysis of Manchester United’s Lineup.
SUNDERLAND LINEUP Formation: 4-1-4-1 Mannone, Brown, O’shea, van Aanholt, Roberge, Johnson, Cattermole, Larsson, Rodwell, Fletcher, Wickham (Manager : Gus Poyet)
Manchester United vs Sunderland Prediction
Manchester United 3-1 Win: United’s squad must feel an extra sense of urgency and motivation in this match after such a shameful result against Swansea City. With the return of Robin van Persie, the talismanic striker, United will have another weapon alongside Wayne Rooney in the attack. The Red Devils must find their pre-season form in which United outscored their opponents 18-5 in just six games.
TV LISTINGS
NBCS and Telemundo will be providing live coverage of the match in the USA, and Sky Sports 1 will provide coverage in the UK.
INJURIES
