Manchester United may have had a shaky start to the season by their standards, but the Red Devils' misery is nothing compared to the suffocating gloom engulfing the Stadium of Light. Sunderland are still without a manager after Paolo Di Canio's disastrous reign came to a messy end, and they host the Premier League's reigning champions in Saturday's late kickoff.
Sunderland vs. Manchester United: Preview and TV schedule
Manchester United have had a patchy start to the season, though shouldn’t have a problem picking up three points away at bottom side Sunderland.
More from our team blogs: Sunderland blog Roker Report Manchester United blog The Busby Babe
Even despite United’s patchy form -- they’ve lost their last couple in the Premier League and only drew with Shakhtar Donetsk in midweek -- they should have no problem capitalising on the Black Cats’ unfortunate demise and picking up three points. Sunderland are the only team in the division yet to win a game, and are fast losing touch at the bottom of the table. They need a turnaround, and fast.
For this match they will certainly be without former Manchester United players Phil Bardsley and Wes Brown, while striker Steven Fletcher is also sidelined. Summer signing Andrea Dossena is still doubtful with a thigh injury. For United, Darren Fletcher is out with illness, while Rio Ferdinand faces a fitness test on a groin injury.
Sunderland injuries and suspensions
Out: Phil Bardsley (ankle), Wes Brown (knee), Steven Fletcher (shoulder). In doubt: Andrea Dossena (thigh).
Manchester United injuries and suspensions
Out: Darren Fletcher (illness). In doubt: Rio Ferdinand (groin).
Projected lineups
Sunderland: Keiren Westwood; Jack Colback, John O'Shea, Carlos Cuéllar, Craig Gardner; Ki Sung-Yueng, Lee Cattermole, Sebastian Larsson; Emanuele Giaccherini, Jozy Altidore, Adam Johnson
Manchester United: David De Gea; Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidić, Chris Smalling; Tom Cleverley, Michael Carrick; Danny Welbeck, Wayne Rooney, Antonio Valencia; Robin van Persie
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 5:30 p.m. local, 12:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Stadium of Light, Sunderland, England
TV: NBC Sports Network, Mun2 (U.S.), Sportsnet (Canada), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.)
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