Match Pack: Sunderland
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Sunderland v United
Barclays Premier League
Sun 2 May (16:00 BST)
Stadium of Light
Live Radio and Text: ManUtd.com
Text Alerts: MUmobile.co.uk
Whatever the result between Liverpool and Chelsea, United will be fully focused on victory at the Stadium of Light on Sunday...
Form guide
It's likely that nothing short of three points will do if United are to stay in the hunt for the title, but Sir Alex's men will need to be on guard against an in-form Sunderland side. The Black Cats have won three out of four games in April, including a comfortable 3-1 win over high-flying Tottenham. The Reds will be seeking a better performance in this reverse fixture against the Wearsiders, having escaped defeat at Old Trafford in October courtesy of an Anton Ferdinand injury-time own goal. But the champions' record at the Stadium of Light is strong: five wins and two draws from seven visits. And, after picking up six points against Manchester City and Spurs in the last couple of weeks, United will be in determined mood, especially if leaders Chelsea have dropped points at Anfield earlier in the day.
Ins and outs
Wayne Rooney is doubtful with a groin strain, so Dimitar Berbatov could lead the line on his own again. Rio Ferdinand is also still struggling with a groin injury and Gary Neville (calf) is touch and go, while Owen Hargreaves will be hoping for another place on the bench. Sunderland will be without Alan Hutton, who is suspended following his sending-off against Hull last week, meaning Phil Bardsley could start against his old club. Midfielder Lee Cattermole and defender George McCartney could also return from injury, but John Mensah (knee) and Andy Reid (hamstring) are out.
Star man
Darren Bent has bolstered his chances of a place in England's World Cup squad following a free-scoring April. The striker has hit four goals in his last four games to take his tally to 25 for the campaign. The 26-year-old also struck against United at OT earlier this season and will be looking to give Fabio Capello another nudge with a strong performance.
Manager
Former United captain Steve Bruce has done a sound job since taking the reins at Sunderland last summer, steering the club to a solid mid-table position this term with limited resources. His side are strong at home, where they have only lost two games all season, and Bruce will be keen for that record to continue, despite his former ties to United. Bruce also enjoyed moderate success in his previous posts with Wigan and Birmingham.
Referee
United will perhaps be happy to have Steve Bennett in the middle, as his last three matches have ended in emphatic victories for the Reds – against Everton (3-0), Wolves (3-0) and Hull (4-0). The Kent official was due to take charge of the Manchester derby, but the volcanic ash cloud left him stranded in Romania following a meeting with FIFA.
Rivals watch
There are not many occasions when United fans want Liverpool to win, but Sunday’s 1.30pm kick-off against Chelsea will be an exception. Though denying Chelsea three points could potentially help United to surpass their proud record of 18 league titles, Liverpool are desperate for victory as they attempt to hunt down Man City and Spurs for the fourth Champions League place.