- Sunderland’s last three matches: 4-3 loss, 5-0 loss, 1-1 draw
- Sunderland have won two, drawn one, and lost two of their last five matches.
- Manchester United are on a three-game winning streak that includes a 3-2 win over Liverpool and a 1-0 victory at Chelsea.
Carrick’s Red Devils look to extend winning run
Sunderland have been in inconsistent form of late, recording two wins, one draw and two defeats in their last five matches. Regis Le Bris’ team will be eager to turn that around on Saturday when they host a Manchester United side that have enjoyed a recent resurgence.
After a 4-3 defeat away at Aston Villa, the Black Cats followed it up with a 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Nottingham Forest and a 1-1 draw away at Wolves. Our Sunderland vs Manchester United prediction involves close attention to how Michael Carrick has been working wonders with United since taking over in the dugout and his tweaks to the Red Devils’ system have finally paid dividends in a three-game winning run.
United’s high line, high-press and quick transitions have been clicking recently and the visitors have taken advantage of the chaos when they can, but this Sunderland vs Manchester United preview highlights that this game should be an interesting matchup between Carrick’s system and Le Bris’ more structured and possession-based approach.
Expect goals at both ends at the Stadium of Light
Sunderland will get the ball wide and work it in and United should look to press them when they do, so it should be an entertaining match. The Red Devils have scored 27 goals in 17 away matches in the Premier League and can score anywhere, so this Sunderland vs Manchester United prediction suggests they will strike the first blow if they can break through.
Sunderland have enough quality to get at United, however, and the goals look likely at the very least. The Sunderland vs Manchester United betting tips for this fixture recommend Over 2.5 goals at 1.83 and Both Teams to Score - Yes at 1.65, with odds for an away win short at 1.96.
Both sides possess reliable goal-getters
Benjamin Sesko has been in excellent form for United this term and has 11 Premier League goals in 30 appearances. Sunderland can call upon Brian Brobbey to make the difference up top, as the Dutchman has scored six times in 28 appearances in the Premier League this term.
United have been in good form and they have the attacking talent to win this match but Sunderland can make a game of it, especially with home advantage. This should be an end-to-end game, and I expect both teams to get on the scoreboard.
United, with their improved system and Bruno Fernandes’ 19 assists in 32 league games this campaign, can get it done on Saturday, especially given that they are coming into the game off the back of three straight wins and a run of three assists in their last five.
