Sunderland: Key Men and Where the Game Could Be Won or Lost for Them
Although he was sidelined with a knee injury during the start of the season, it was still common knowledge that Di Canio wasn’t particularly keen on keeping former captain Lee Cattermole at the club, should a suitable offer have come in, under his regime.
But following the dismissal of the Italian, the 25-year-old was thrown in against Liverpool by Ball and despite seeing his side lose 1-3, Cattermole produced a strong display in the heart of the midfield and gave an indication that he can still be a vital player for Sunderland this season.
Whilst Sunderland were awfully unlucky in certain games under Di Canio, they clearly missed somebody in midfield who had that bite and raw determination to help close out crucial results, with the isolated Cattermole being the blatant person to come in and solve that.
In some ways, he is a forgotten man with something to prove and with the likes of both Rooney and Kagawa being exceptionally gifted when allowed the space in their opponents half, Cattermole could be pivotal should he play in the fixture and will win the adulation of the fans if a big result can be earned thanks to a sturdy performance.
The tough-tackler won 100% (3/3) of his challenges, recovered the ball nine times and completed 85.7% (30/35) of his passes against Liverpool and not only did he protect the backline to the best he could, but he also allowed both Ki and Larsson more time on the ball and that only bodes well for future results.
Stéphane Sessègnon caused United all sorts of problems when bursting into the attacking zones at Old Trafford for West Brom and with Giaccherini easily capable at attempting to repeat that for Sunderland, a solid result can be salvaged should Cattermole play his part by keeping things resolute at the back whilst staying focused on the task for 90+ minutes.
He does have a tendency to lose concentration at critical moments, especially when looking at his disciplinary record over the years, but Rooney mustn’t be allowed to make his powerful runs into perilous territory unaccompanied and Cattermole will be essential in not only helping things flow from the back but also stepping in and breaking up any fruitful play from the opposition on the day.
Manchester United: Key Men and Where the Game Could Be Won or Lost for Them
It has been well documented and discussed that the manager who was ready to replace the great Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United would be under a great deal of pressure to live up to his very high standards and with the reigning Premier League champions currently sitting in the second half of the table after six games, Moyes is already being grilled by the media.
With just seven points being collected, although things at present are running smoothly in Europe, anything the Scotsman seems to say is being questioned and many have already started to overlook his experience in the Premier League with Everton.
Moyes has inherited a squad boasting a wealth of knowledge, yet are ageing, and he needs time to freshen it up. One man who was heavily linked all summer with a departure has so far showed the most promise under the new man’s stewardship and it is him that could once again hold the key to a United win.
Rooney, who has completed 90% (35/39) of his defensive zone passes so far, has always been a big influence in the nitty-gritty side of things for United and whilst his goals and creativity have also been equally impressive in 13/14, his performance against West Brom was below-par like everybody else in the famous Red jersey in the game and he will need to quickly improve to help United silence their early critics.
Against West Brom, Rooney’s attacking zone success rate was just 58% (22/38) and whilst he is carrying the burden of bringing physicality, creativity and goals to the fore, if Sunderland try to squeeze and foul him through a possible three-man midfield, any direct free-kicks will be a great opportunity for the England international to grab with both hands.
He has only scored four goals from direct free-kicks in his Premier League career, but three of those have come in his last three appearances and even if he doesn’t go for goal, United are even more of a threat from set-pieces this season now that Fellaini, who scored five headed goals last season, is in the ranks after his £27.5m deadline day move from Moyes’ former paymasters on Merseyside.
Sunderland have conceded seven goals (half of their total conceded tally) in the final 15 minutes of Premier League matches this season – a league-high – and with United’s record over the years at scoring late winners also in mind, patience could be a virtue for Moyes’ men but with their wingers potentially set to be tested by both Johnson and Giaccherini’s creative exploits, Rooney will need to be everywhere once more whilst Van Persie will be praying the 27-year-old can provide the exquisite service for him to profit from in front of goal.
Interesting Statistics
- Sunderland have won just eight points from a possible 72 in their 24 previous matches against Manchester United in the Premier League.
- Sunderland have lost four consecutive Premier League games and the last time they lost five on the trot was back in March 2006 (six games in a row).
- David Moyes has only lost one of his last 16 Premier League meetings with Sunderland (W11 D4) and the defeat came as recent as last season at the Stadium of Light whilst he was Everton manager.
- Manchester United have lost two consecutive Premier League games and the last time they lost three in a row was in December 2001.
Prediction:
Both sides will be dogged in their attempts to try and claim the coveted three points, due to their respective forms, and the game is set up to be an end-to-end tie. The key area in which several key battles will take shape is the centre of the midfield and whichever side controls the tempo of the game could go on to win, although that may take some doing.
Prediction: Sunderland 1-1 Manchester United
Referee: Chris Foy
