Manchester Utd v Sunderland – e-Football Preview

Article by Tony Gillies

Wednesday night see us going into the 2nd leg of the Carling Cup semi-final needing to overhaul a first leg deficit, it’s not an unusual for us to find ourselves in this position in our last 2 semi-finals in this competition we have turned around first leg defeats; back in 2009 we were 1-0 down to Derby County after the first leg but won 4-2 at Old Trafford and went on to beat Tottenham in the Final 4-1 on penalties and a year on we were 2-1 down to Manchester City going in to the second leg, we ended up beating City 3-1 at Old Trafford thanks to Wayne Rooney heading the winner in injury time we then went on to retain the trophy with a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa at Wembley.

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Does this squad, given the current run of form have what it takes to turn this around? David Moyes said after the defeat to Chelsea that we must reach the Final for the fans; surely the players want it as much as the fans do? A win tomorrow night and reaching a final could give the players the boost to end the season strongly and fight for 4th spot. Don’t underestimate the importance of this match, for United it is HUGE!

Team News

Wayne Rooney put in a double training session on Monday and if that hasn’t aggravated the injury he has been sidelined with I expect him to start. If you believe the papers Robin van Persie is fit but has ruled himself out of the last few matches, believe what you will. I think he may be on the bench tomorrow but I think he’ll be saved for the match against Cardiff next Tuesday night. Patrice Evra hobbled off on Sunday which I think will keep him out of this game. Nemanja Vidic starts the 1st of he’s 3 game ban after the sending off at Stamford Bridge.

Predicted Starting XI – De Gea, Rafael, Evans, Jones, Buttner, Valencia, Carrick, Fletcher, Kagawa, Januzaj, Rooney.

Previous 5 Meetings (All Competitions)

Jan 2014: Sunderland 2-1 Man Utd
Oct 2013: Sunderland 1-2 Man Utd
March 2013: Sunderland 0-1 Man Utd
Dec 2012: Man Utd 3-1 Sunderland
May 2012: Sunderland 0-1 Man Utd

My prediction is a 3-0 win for United, given how big this game is for the season and David Moyes, I think the players will go out all guns blazing tomorrow night. An early goal is vital as the longer it stays 0-0 the more nervous the fans and players will become.

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