Manchester United v Sunderland - Capital One Cup Semi (2nd Leg) - Sky Sports 1 - 7:45

Paully D

http://www.manutd.com/en/Fixtures-And-Results/Match-Reports/2014/Jan/Manchester-United-v-Sunderland-Capital-One-Cup-semi-final-preview.aspx

Form guide: Defeat to Chelsea on Sunday meant a fourth defeat in five outings for Manchester United in 2014, while the visitors are on a four-match unbeaten run. The Black Cats' latest result showed character – after trailing 0-2 at home to Southampton on Saturday, they turned it around to claim a point with a 2-2 draw.

Ins and outs: United will be without skipper Nemanja Vidic, who begins a three-match ban for the straight red card he received at Stamford Bridge. Marouane Fellaini is edging back towards full fitness following wrist surgery and a back injury, but the Belgian is still some time away from availability. Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney missed the trip to Chelsea due to their ongoing thigh and groin issues but David Moyes said on Sunday that he hoped the pair were not far away from full fitness. Sunderland have brought in defender Santiago Vergini on loan this week, but it remains to be seen if the Argentinian will make the squad for Wednesday.

Last meeting: Sunderland claimed the first-leg spoils with a 2-1 win, which came courtesy of an own goal from Ryan Giggs and a penalty from on-loan Liverpool striker Fabio Borini. It was a cruel stroke of luck for Giggs, who struck the crossbar and was flagged offside when Adnan Januzaj 'scored' before he inadvertently put the home side ahead. Vidic's header levelled the match early in the econd half, but Borini restored Sunderland's lead from the spot after Tom Cleverley was controversially adjudged to have fouled Adam Johnson just inside the area.

Betting: United's online betting partners bwin make the Reds favourites to win the match at 1.33, and give a price of 1.38 for David Moyes' men to advance to Wembley. A draw on the night, which would not be good enough for United, is at 5.00 and a Sunderland win is 8.50, while the price for the visitors triumphing in the tie overall is 2.80. Adnan Januzaj was in sublime form in the first leg at the Stadium of Light, and the talented teenager is 6.50 to open the scoring on Wednesday.

Did you know? The Reds were either level or trailing after the first leg of the club's last three semi-finals in this competition, in 2006, 2009 and 2010. However, in each year United won the second leg to advance to the final and claim the trophy.

The manager: Gus Poyet has certainly improved Sunderland's fortunes following the turbulent reign of the combustible Paulo Di Canio, and while his side remain mired in a battle against relegation from the Barclays Premier League, the cup run under the affable Uruguayan has lifted spirits for Black Cats players and fans alike.

Star man: The first player signed in Roberto Mancini's time as manager at Manchester City, Adam Johnson had become surplus to requirements by August 2012 when Sunderland's then-manager Martin O'Neill brought him back over the Pennines to his native Wearside. The winger has been in good form of late, posing problems off the bench in the first leg against United and bagging a hat-trick at Fulham, leading to talk of a recall to the England set-up ahead of the World Cup.

Quote/unquote: "We did so well to win the first leg against Manchester United but we've still got to finish the job. The cup run has given us a tremendous lift." Gus Poyet

Whistle-blower: United will hope the presence of referee Lee Mason will be a good omen – the Reds have won both games where the Bolton official has been in charge this season, at home to Stoke and away to Aston Villa.

Less than 24 hours to go so I thought I'd get this thread up. Sunderland's biggest game in Lord knows how long and I'm a nervous wreck :pac:

I really, really hope we can do it but I think it might just be a step too far.

Corvo

Thank god you got this up before Zerks did.

I blame him more than Moyes at the moment.

The_Kew_Tour

We will win tomorrow night in 90 minutes. Just hope no extra time.

citytillidie

Before anyone asks away goals only count after extra time

MagicMarker

citytillidie wrote: »

Before anyone asks away goals only count after extra time

Well that's just fúckin' retarded.

citytillidie

MagicMarker wrote: »

Well that's just fúckin' retarded.

That's the football league rules same too for league play off semi finals

Won't be too upset to see Utd win tomorrow

J. Marston

The_Kew_Tour wrote: »

We will win tomorrow night in 90 minutes. Just hope no extra time.

No game on the weekend.

Penalty shootout, please!

NUTZZ

Reports that Van Persie may be on the bench for the game tonight.

MagicIRL

NUTZZ wrote: »

Reports that Van Persie may be on the bench for the game tonight.

So will Mata!

The_Kew_Tour

Nearly forgot about this match.;)

Kerrydude1981

Thought we might see Rooney on the bench before RVP

Could Rooney start?

Kylo Ren

I have arrived. I was told there would be Mata's here.

Jesus Wept

something something mata

Rayne Wooney

Our Year wrote: »

something something mata

Good Juan










:pac:

Rayne Wooney

any word on the teams?

NUTZZ

Keno wrote: »

I have arrived. I was told there would be Mata's here.

Our Year wrote: »

something something mata

Rayne Wooney wrote: »

Good Juan

Ok we've had our fun, lets leave it there...


:pac:

Rayne Wooney

Rayne Wooney wrote: »

any word on the teams?

Utd Team:
Mata
Mata Mata Mata Mata
Mata Mata Mata Mata
Mata
mata

Subs: Mata, Mata, Mata, Mata, Mata, Mata, Mata

No starting place for Kagawa, ffs...

Vertigo100

No roo or rvp

Vertigo100

@SamWallaceIndy: MUFC: De Gea; Rafael, Evans, Smalling, Buttner; Carrick, Fletcher; Valencia, Kagawa, Januzaj; Welbeck

Whatsisname

De Gea, Rafael, Smalling, Evans, Buttner, Valencia, Carrick, Fletcher, Januzaj, Kagawa, Welbeck.

Professional Griefer

United account says De Gea; Rafael, Smalling, Evans, Buttner; Januzaj, Carrick, Fletcher, Kagawa; Welbeck, Hernandez.

Kylo Ren

No real wingers tonight. I wonder if something prompted that...

Paully D

Hernandez will play a pivotal role in winning this one for United. His movement will be too much for our center backs I fear.

That_Guy

Actually wouldn't mind Sunderland doing well in this game tbh. :eek:

Having said that, I think Man United will bounce back. Hernandez starting is a big plus. The only one who caused a bit of trouble for Chelsea at the weekend. Could very well do the same tonight and may have a point to prove that he should be starting more.

Hernandez, mystifying to not start him. United -1 a cert.

[Deleted User]

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Hernandez, mystifying to not start him. United -1 a cert.

He is starting!

IamtheWalrus

Any pm me some hardcore footy?

IamtheWalrus

IamtheWalrus wrote: »

Any pm me some hardcore footy?

Sent :pac:

Sacramento

Sacramento wrote: »

He is starting!

I meant all the times he hasn't started. Hence why United -1 is a cert.

Mars Bar

That was close!

That_Guy

Super save from Mannone.

Lord TSC

Hernandez already looks dangerous. Amazing how he gets chances when a player actually creates them. Cant wait to see him in front of Mata

jdooley28

commentary on Bein Sport is hilarious! 'draws in the man, then he's off like a prom dress'

That_Guy

jdooley28 wrote: »

commentary on Bein Sport is hilarious! 'draws in the man, then he's off like a prom dress'

Would rather that than Davie Provan.

Mars Bar

Januzaj is ****ing ridiculous!

kryogen

What a ball from Kag

Mars Bar

Kagawa and Hernandez are linking up well

Rayne Wooney

The players are too far apart when we're attacking

The crossing mentality still in place

Kagawa coming inside is when we look most dangerous

That_Guy

Only Man United could make Sunderland look like a tidy outfit. :pac:

kryogen

Jan needs to improve his movement in those situations

Mars Bar

That's a decent hit

kryogen

That_Guy wrote: »

Only Man United could make Sunderland look like a tidy outfit. :pac:

Not true

Fulham did it too

kingshankly

Chris smalling can't defend

That_Guy

Awful defending. Smalling caught waaaaaaay out of position.

Mars Bar

Why would you do that Buttner?

kryogen

Chris Smalling is one of the best young centre halves in England, easily. Just stop playing him right back and he can only get better.

Kerrydude1981

Ref would want to be getting the card out

Third foul on Januzaj now.

That_Guy

Luckily for Man United Cattermole is shíte.

kingshankly

That_Guy wrote: »

Luckily for Man United Cattermole is shíte.

Would get in utds midfield

kryogen

After a day of excitement reality is back again