Premier League Preview: Manchester United v Sunderland

Manchester United will be looking to maintain their position at the top of the Premier League with a win over Sunderland at Old Trafford.

United did not play last weekend as the high profile match against Chelsea was postponed due to poor weather. This means that every single member of the squad should be fresh and chomping at the bit to cash in on one of the most traditional days in the football calendar.

Sir Alex Ferguson is not likely to use the same 4-5-1 formation that he deployed when Arsenal visited Old Trafford. This means a 4-4-2 setup, which will give a number of players in the side license to get forward and attack. Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney should lead the attack but there are questions over who will start in the middle of the side.

Anderson has been playing very well since his return from injury but the temporary break in games would have allowed the experienced Paul Scholes more recovery time. Both of these players could start in the United midfield but that would mean Scholes having to play a more defensive role, which he isn’t particularly accustomed to.

Ferguson has no major injury worries ahead of the game with the list of long-term absentees not added to. Michael Owen may feature from the bench but Antonio Valencia and Owen Hargreaves are still out until after the New Year at the very earliest.

United cannot take Sunderland for granted like other sides have done in the recent past. Park Ji-Sung is an odds on bet to start down the right or the left of the team and will be able to double up with either full-back. Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic should form a solid unit in the middle of the side that is capable of keeping Darren Bent quiet.

United have a solid record against Sunderland in the Premier League, which has prompted the confidence in the home team across the betting market. However, Sunderland showed they are capable of picking apart the best teams away from home as the 3-0 demolition of Chelsea proved. Sunderland are a best price of 12/1 for victory.

United are naturally favourites for the game playing on their own turf. The best price on the market for a home win is currently 2/7, which seems low but presents a solid investment chance. The draw is currently 9/2.