Match Preview: Sunderland U21 V Manchester United U21

11/01/2024 06:20 PM

Sunderland U21’s host Manchester United U21’s on Saturday lunchtime with an opportunity to move above their opponents in the league.

Last time out:

Sunderland put on a wonderful display against Norwich on Friday night as they won 3-0 making it five wins in a row in all competitions. A double from Ben Crompton and a late goal from Jayden Jones capped a top display from the Black Cats.

The visitors come into Saturdays game having drawn midweek against PSV Eindhoven U21’s in the Premier League International Cup. Isaac Babadi put PSV in the lead before a late Gabriel Biancheri penalty snatched a draw for the Red Devils.

Previous meetings:

Last time the Black Cats hosted the Red Devils fans were treated to a ten goal thriller as the game finished 5-5. United soared into a 5-0 lead of which they were four up at half-time before Sunderland completed a remarkable second half comeback equalising right at the death.

Doubles from Jordan Hughill and Shola Shoretire gave United the 4-0 lead at half-time which Omari Forson added too minutes after the restart. A five minute flurry of goals saw Harry Gardiner, Harrison Jones and Michael Spellman fire home for the Black Cats. Tom Chiabi reduced the deficit to one before a last gasp Jewison Bennette equaliser earned a draw for a spirited Sunderland.

Team News:

Graeme Murty has a fully fit squad to pick from for Saturdays clash after Jenson Jones returned to the squad on Friday night to face Norwich. It is unknown whether Tom Watson will be recalled back to the u21s after being promoted to the first team against Hull.

The visitors will be missing Daniel Gore as he is still struggling with his shoulder injury which has kept him out since early June however he will be the only exception from the travelling squad.

Players to watch:

After a solid performance last Friday, Crompton is my player to watch for Sunderland this week, a threat in the box from set pieces and he will have to be alert in order to keep out United’s deadly attackers and give Sunderland the best chance of picking up three points.

My player to watch for Manchester United would be Ethan Wheatley, a young pacey attacker with an eye for goal who has already managed to score five goals in five appearances in the league this season and would be looking to add to that tally on Saturday.

Kick off is 12:00pm on Saturday 2nd November at the Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground and a win for Sunderland would move them above Manchester United and comfortably into the top half of the Premier League 2 table.