The last meeting between these sides conjures up bad emotions. Although United won the game 1-0, it all looked set for United to win the league, then City scored late on and the league went to the other side of Manchester. The celebrations at Sunderland was like they won the league. Sir Alex hasn't forgot and nor have the United fans.
Sunderland have been on a poor run of form until a midweek win against Reading helped relief the pressure on manager Martin O'Neill. Sunderland still have a few ex-reds namely Wes Brown, John O'Shea and Frazier Campbell. So a warm welcome will await until kick off.
Sir Alex announced that skipper Vidic will be back and with Jonny Evans out injured, it is a relief to see him back. however, spirits will be high at Old Trafford after the derby win and a 6 point lead at the top of the table. With City playing early afternoon, any negative result at City could see United stretch there lead at the top going into the festive programme.
The injury front still See's Nani and Anderson out but a full squad is available and it remains to be seen whether there will be wholesale changes for this game after the pressure of last week and the pending Christmas programme.
There is a lot of speculation in the run up to the transfer merry go around in January, that could see Nani and Hernandez go and Strootman and Lewandonski arrive. Still it is only paper talk and the fact that Sir Alex doesn't do much business during this window doesn't prevent a good gossip being printed.
In terms of the match, United never have it easy against the wearsiders with late goals usually the norm. I do expect United to win but depending on team selection it could be closer than you think.
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