Premier League preview and odds: Manchester United vs Sunderland

Published on: 24/12/2016

Premier League preview and odds: Manchester United vs Sunderland

December 26, 2016 15:00pm - Old Trafford

Referee: M. Atkinson

Premier League

Manchester United will look to keep the pressure on their rivals for Champions League qualification when they welcome relegation battlers Sunderland to Old Trafford on Boxing Day. Former United boss David Moyes will be out to prove a point by getting one over on the team that sacked him less than a season into his reign.

United showing steady improvement after faltering start

Jose Mourinho did not quite hit the ground running at Manchester United but finally seems to be settling into his new role. The Red Devils are now unbeaten in their last eight Premier League matches and have won their last three in a row.

The Old Trafford side also broke a run of four straight home draws when they edged to a 1-0 victory against Tottenham Hotspur two weeks ago. Despite their improvement, they have not managed to score more than a single goal at home in any of their last five home matches.

Meanwhile, opponents Sunderland could move out of the drop zone with a win, should other results also go their way. The Black Cats got back to winning ways with a 1-0 triumph at home to Watford last time out and will be hoping to make in five victories from eight when they take to the field on Monday.

David Moyes will be relishing the opportunity to take on his former employers for the first time since being relieved of his duties three years ago. However, his side have just one away win to their name this season (a 2-1 win at Bournemouth) and have conceded at least one goal on all of their road trips this term.

Team news

The home side are still without Luke Shaw and James Wilson, while Eric Bailly and Herikh Mkhitarayan both remain doubtful.

Meanwhile, the visitors` extensive injury problems continue with Jan Kirchhoff, Billy Jones, Duncan Whatmore, Lynden Gooch, Paddy McNair, Jack Rodwell and Lee Cattermole all side-lined, while Javi Manquillo and Steven Pienaar are both doubtful.

Recent form (League):

Manchester United: WWWDD

Everton: WLLWL

Betting odds and tips

Sunderland will try to keep things tight, just as they have in previous matches against the top teams. As a result, A home win can be expected but Manchester United might have to wait until the second half to find a way through the visitors` well-drilled rear guard.

You can back Draw/Manchester United in the Halftime/Fulltime market at 11/4 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 24/12/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (24/12/2016 12:51:18) but are subject to change.