Manchester United will look to bounce back from yet another setback on Saturday afternoon when they welcome newly promoted Sunderland to Old Trafford.
Manchester United come into this clash off the back of yet another disappointing result, as they fell to a 3-1 defeat away at Brentford on an afternoon The Betting Desk correctly predicted goals.
Whilst they remain winless on their travels, Ruben Amorim’s men have won each of their past two Premier League contests at Old Trafford, defeating another newly-promoted side Burnley 3-2, and Chelsea 2-1.
Sunderland, on the other hand, have been impressive since their promotion to the Premier League, as they currently occupy fifth position having picked up 11 points from their opening six clashes (W3-D2-L1).
The Black Cats travel to Old Trafford off the back of their first away success of the campaign, as an Omar Alderete goal and an inspired performance from goalkeeper Robin Roefs meant they left the City Ground with all three points.
How the bookies view it: Red Devils favourites
Manchester United come into this clash as unconvincing short-priced favourites, with BoyleSports pricing them at just 4/9.
The Black Cats are a massive 9/2 with the same firm to claim back-to-back away victories, whilst the draw is 10/3.
Head to head: United dominance
Manchester United have historically gotten the better of Sunderland in the Premier League era, with The Red Devils losing just two of the previous 30 meetings between the two sides (W22-D6-L2).
Players to watch: Granit to be involved in another goal?
Granit Xhaka has already proven to be an inspirational signing for Regis Le Bri’s men, with the ex-Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen midfielder already providing three assists for The Black Cats, including one in each of his last two matches.
Given the Swiss midfielder will be on set price duty for Sunderland, coupled with Manchester United’s vulnerability defending balls in their box, the 9/2 on offer for him to Score or Assist at Bet365 appeals to me.
Predicted line-ups:
Manchester United will be without defenders Lisandro Martinez and Noussair Mazraoui due to injury, but Casemiro will be available following his one-game suspension, as will Amad Diallo.
Regis Le Bris will be unable to call on Dennis Cirkin, Leo Hjelde, Habib Diarra and Romaine Mundle, who are all injured.
Manchester United: Bayindir, de Ligt, Maguire, Shaw, Dalot, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dorgu, Mbuemo, Cunha, Sesko
Sunderland: Roefs, Hume, Mukiele, Alderete, Masuaku, Xhaka, Rigg, Sadiki, Talbi, Le Fee, Isidor
Anything else catch the eye?
Manchester United appear to be more dangerous going forward this campaign, but their Achilles heel is their vulnerable defence.
Ruben Amorim’s hosts are yet to record a clean sheet in any of their opening seven contests in all competitions this season, shipping 13 goals, meaning I like the look of the 4/5 on offer at Bet365 for Both Teams to Score.
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