Source: SKY_Sports
Sunderland v Man Utd preview
Sunderland host Manchester United on Saturday looking to take advantage of the visitors' depleted back line.[LNB] Since Blackburn ended United's record-breaking run of 12 consecutive Premier League games without conceding a goal, the champions have let in 10 goals in their last five matches.[LNB]The constant chopping and changing of personnel in the back four, due to injuries, has not helped, but the Red Devils look a shadow of their early season selves.[LNB]Meanwhile, Sunderland are struggling themselves and last weekend's lacklustre 2-0 defeat at West Ham made it just one win from eight games, and leaves them three points off the drop zone.[LNB]Sunderland team newsCaptain Dean Whitehead is only rated as 50-50 for the clash as he battles with a calf problem.[LNB]Fellow midfielder Teemu Tainio could return after a five-match absence due to a knee injury to boost numbers if Whitehead fails to make it.[LNB]Defender Calum Davenport is back in contention after he was ineligible to play against parent club West Ham last week.[LNB]Manager Ricky Sbragia also looks set to be without full-back George McCartney (calf) and former United youngster David Healy (groin).[LNB]Man United team newsDefender Jonny Evans is the latest defensive injury casualty after he picked up a groin problem in the 2-2 draw with Porto on Tuesday.[LNB]Fellow defender Rio Ferdinand is back in training after also suffering with a groin inury but he is more likely to be fit to face Porto next Wednesday.[LNB]Recently fit-again Gary Neville should get the nod at right-back with John O'Shea moving inside to partner Nemanja Vidic.[LNB]Brazilian right-back Rafael (ankle) is back in light training while defender Wes Brown (foot) is expected to return to training next week but the match on Saturday has come too soon for the pair.[LNB]Striker Wayne Rooney picked up a rib injury against the Portuguese champions in midweek but will start.[LNB]Fellow striker Dimitar Berbatov (ankle) remains sidelined but he could be back in action in time for the UEFA Champions League second leg.[LNB]Anderson (foot) is still injured while midfielder Owen Hargreaves (knee) is the only long-term absentee.[LNB]Possible starting XIs[LNB]Sunderland: Gordon, Ben Haim, Davenport, Collins, Bardsley, Malbranque, Leadbitter, Richardson, Reid, Jones, Cisse.[LNB]Man Utd: Van der Sar, Neville, O'Shea, Vidic, Evra, Park, Ronaldo, Carrick, Fletcher, Rooney, Tevez.[LNB]
