Sunderland vs Manchester United. Premier League.
Stadium of LightAttendance43,779.
Sunday 9 April 2017 12:45, UK
Manchester United will be looking to extend their Premier League unbeaten run to 21 matches when they travel to struggling Sunderland on Sunday, live on Sky Sports.
Although United have not lost in the league since October 23, their top-four challenge has stalled in recent weeks with three draws from their last four matches.
They have also struggled to score goals, with their total of 43 significantly fewer than any other side in the top six.
"I think it's a good feeling to know we don't lose many matches, that we have a fantastic run of 20 games unbeaten in the Premier League," said manager Jose Mourinho.
"You are quite solid mentally, difficult to beat, you fight against difficult circumstances, that kind of mentality of resilience, it's good to have it.
"But the points are the reality and it would be better for us in 10 matches to have five victories and five defeats."
While United battle for the top four, Sunderland look destined for the drop after defeats to Watford and Leicester in the last week have left them 10 points from safety.
But Sunderland boss David Moyes, who managed United in the 2013/14 season, said: "We'll push as hard as we can and sometimes one game can make a difference. Hopefully that game can be this weekend.
"It's a massive ask for us now, but we're not relegated yet and we have a chance."
Manchester United will be without Wayne Rooney and Ashley Young. Captain Rooney missed the midweek clash against Everton with ankle issues, while Young limped off with an apparent groin injury.
Antonio Valencia returns after being rested for the midweek clash, while Juan Mata (groin), Phil Jones (toe) and Chris Smalling (knee) are long-term absentees.
Victor Anichebe is in contention to make his first Sunderland start of the year after coming on as a substitute against Leicester in midweek.
Lee Cattermole is also expected to feature, but defender John O'Shea (personal reasons) is unavailable and Jan Kirchhoff, Paddy McNair and Duncan Watmore remain sidelined.
Sunderland have lost 22 times against Manchester United in the Premier League - against no side have they suffered more Premier League defeats (also 22 against Chelsea).
Manchester United haven't won any of their last three games at the Stadium of Light in all competitions (D1 L2), this after an unbeaten run of 11 matches there.
Jermain Defoe has failed to score in his last six Premier League games against Manchester United, since netting against them for Spurs in March 2012.
The Black Cats haven't failed to score in five consecutive home league games since a run of six in May 1985 in the top-flight, where they were eventually relegated.
Manchester United have won six and lost none of their last eight Premier League matches away from home; their longest unbeaten away run since August 2013 (13 games).
Eight of Sunderland's 14 Premier League goals at the Stadium of Light this season have been scored by Defoe (57%).
Manchester United are currently on a 20-game unbeaten run in the Premier League (W10 D10 L0). Of the 16 occasions a team has gone on a 20+ unbeaten run in the competition, this is the run with the lowest points per game average (2.0) and win ratio (50%).
Manchester United have got Europa League in midweek and for me they've got to put all their eggs in that basket. They've had two bad results in a row and I don't think they can make the top four anymore. This is almost a game they don't need.
Sunderland did alright at Leicester in midweek but they lost again. They're down for me, but I think they'll get a draw here.
Paul predicts: 1-1 (15/2 with Sky Bet)
Manchester United are Sky Bet's 1/3 favourites with Sunderland up against odds of 9/1 to boost their survival chances, while the draw priced at 19/5.
Sunderland's chances of avoiding relegation are even more slender at 33/1 to stay up, while Jose Mourinho's men have drifted out to 100/30 for a top-four finish following back-to-back draws.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic heads the first goalscorer betting at 5/2 with Defoe considered the home team's main threat at 17/2, while the duo are 9/2 both to find the net.
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