Man U v Sunderland.Let's not get TOO carried away

There’s plenty of anti-Man U / Moyes hysteria flying around at the moment, not to mention the endless jokes on social media.

The Schadenfreude can be expected given how long they have dominated English football but let’s not get completely carried away.

Tonight, for example, Man U take on Sunderland who sit a full 19 points below them in the league table and it’s not surprising to see Man U very short odds indeed to both win the match and to qualify – overturning Sunderland’s one goal advantage from the first leg.

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD
(Max last 10 only)
Jan 2014 Capital One Sunderland 2-1 Man Utd
Oct 2013 Premier Sunderland 1-2 Man Utd
Mar 2013 Premier Sunderland 0-1 Man Utd
Dec 2012 Premier Man Utd 3-1 Sunderland
May 2012 Premier Sunderland 0-1 Man Utd
Nov 2011 Premier Man Utd 1-0 Sunderland
Dec 2010 Premier Man Utd 2-0 Sunderland
Oct 2010 Premier Sunderland 0-0 Man Utd
May 2010 Premier Sunderland 0-1 Man Utd
Oct 2009 Premier Man Utd 2-2 Sunderland

Sunderland have not kept a clean sheet in their last six fixtures which will make for a very nervous second leg and a long 90 minutes for their supporters.

They can take heart from the stat though that although Sunderland have only won two of their last 25 meetings with the Red Devils in all competitions (L18 D5), both of these victories have come in the League Cup.

Man U will be without captain Nemanja Vidic who begins a three-match suspension following his sending-off against Chelsea – a result which was most likely the hammer blow for Man U’s title aspirations.

So this leaves the Carling Cup as the last realistic chance for silverware this season and not an opportunity they are going to pass by lightly.

Will we see a new Man U side tonight? probably not.
Will we see a side capable of beating Sunderland at home and qualifying for Wembley? probably yes.

A small profit from the sell of goals last night – but it’s a buy on the same market with Star Spreads that appeals most tonight.

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• Any spread prices quoted are indicative and as always prices are subject to fluctuation.
• Please note the opinion, views and forecasts above are of the author and not of Star Spreads.