The second day of the English Premier League Round 32 will feature two matchups. Our focus will turn to the early matchup between the Sunderland FC and the Manchester United FC. The visitors are not performing up to their expectations lately, while for the hosts, on the other side, this could be the last opportunity to catch a break and win some valuable points that could help them get out of the danger zone. Considering that the hosts have been rather successful against the Red Devils in their previous three meetings (2W, 1D) at the Stadium of Light, its safe to say that we can expect another exciting game.
SUNDERLAND FC vs. MANCHESTER UNITED FC
3-Way: 1: Sunderland FC +1050; X: +434 Draw; Manchester United FC -250
Spread+1.5: Sunderland FC -110; Manchester United FC +110
Total +2.5 : Over -123; Under +116
SUNDERLAND FC
The Sunderland FC ranks bottom last in the Premier League table currently with 20 points in 30 games. They are 10 points behind the first team above the relegation line and the battle for survival looks like the Sisyphus task from where they are now.
Sunderland FC is the most probable traveler to the English Championship and there are only some theoretical chances that could prevent that from happening but given the team’s current form it is probably impossible. They have failed to win in the last six matches and they are also scoreless during that span. They are 1-2-5 in the last eight games and 0-2-2 in the last four home games.
Sunderland is 3-4-8 in front of their home crowd this season with 14-26 goal difference (24-53 overall) and they rank 20th in the home league table with 13 of 45 possible points earned. They are winless in the last six home games and they’ve failed to score in the last four home matches. Interesting fact is that they’ve conceded the opening goal in 73% of their matches so far.
60% of Sunderland’s home games are over 2.5 goals and 33% of their home matches are over 3.5 goals in total. Most common result at home is the 0:0 draw (occurred two times). Striker Jermain Defoe is one of the bright spots in the team this year with team-high 14 goals so far. Victor Anichebe and Patrick van Aanholt have three goals each in their accounts. Adnan Januzaj tops the team in assists with three while Jermain Defoe and Duncan Watmore collected two each. Top passer is Didier Ndong with 738 total passes while Patrick van Aanholt has 699.
Paddy McNair (ACL Knee Injury) is expected to be out until at least July 1, while Duncan Watmore (ACL Knee Injury) and Steven Pienaar (Calf Strain) have unspecified dates of return. Jan Kirchhoff (Cartilage Knee Injury) should be available after May 13.
MANCHESTER UNITED FC
The Manchester United FC is undefeated in the last 20 games but too many draws are frustrating the fans and they will have to improve in the final quarter of the season to ensure one of the top four spots that lead to the UEFA Champions League next year.
Anything less would be a big disappointment and a blow to Jose Mourinho’s first season at the helm of the Red Devils. “Never-ending” streak of draws continued on Tuesday against FC Everton at home when they managed to salvage one point in final the moments of the game with Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s penalty goal. United is 3-5-0 in the last eight games and 3-1-0 in the last four away games.
The Red Devils are 8-3-2 on the road this year with 22-13 goal difference (43-24) and they rank third in the road league table with 27 of 39 possible points earned. The Red Devils are undefeated in their last eight away games and they have managed to score in each of their last eight road matches. 54% of United’s matches on the road are over 2.5 goals and 38% of their away games are over 3.5 goals in total.
Most common result on the road is a 3:1 win (occurred three times). Manchester Reds currently rank sixth in the league table with four points less than the No. 4 Manchester City but they also have one game less played. Zlatan Ibrahimovic tops the team in scoring with 16 goals in the league while Juan Mata and Paul Pogba have six and four in their accounts. Wayne Rooney leads the team in assists with five so far while Ibrahimovic and Anthony Martial collected four each. Pogba and Ander Herrera are the best passers in the team with 1.923 and 1.727 total passes.
James Wilson (ACL Knee Injury), Phil Jones (Toe Injury), Chriss Smalling (Knee Injury) and Juan Mata (Groin/Pelvis Injury) are all major doubts for the Sunday game with unspecified dates of return while Wayne Rooney (Ankle Injury) is expected to be available after April 16. Ashley Young (Knock) status is unknown and it is not clear if he will be ready for Sunderland.
Anything but the win for United would be a flop here and I think that they will finally get all three points on Sunday. United defeated Sunderland in their first encounter this season, 3:1 at Old Trafford and similar result could take place again. My bet is a Manchester United win with over 2.5 goals in total. Additional pick could also be both teams to score as the Red Devils find it difficult to keep their net clean lately.
MY PICK: Over 2.5 goals (-123)
Additional Pick: Both teams to score YES (+120)
