We’re back in the game with what could be an almighty bang. Manchester United roll up at the Stadium of Light for today’s early kick-off sporting a lineup that has split Fantasy football managers: Robin Van Persie starts, Wayne Rooney is absent from the squad and, in a week where many looked beyond the Dutchman when it came to the captaincy, that could just be crucial.
United get underway in a matter of minutes, then, with no less than six three o’clock kick-offs to follow, including Arsenal’s much anticipated clash with Reading. Those are followed by Everton’s Goodison encounter with Stoke in the evening kick-off, rounding off a day that promises to deliver drama and hopefully, points aplenty.
Our Dugout Discussion chatroom is, of course, open throughout the day, catering for those who like to dabble in some real-time interaction with their peers.
Aside from the absence of Rooney, United’s teamsheet is suitably strong. Sir Alex Ferguson opts for Shinji Kagawa, Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia to provide support for Van Persie, with the Japanese international presumably adopting a central role, just behind the Dutchman. Chris Smalling looks to be slotted in alongside Nemanja Vidic, while Alex Buttner retains the left-back role ahead of the rested Patrice Evra. David De Gea remains solid in goal, while Rafael returns at right-back.
As for Sunderland, Martin O’Neill is forced into changes with injuries to Carlos Cuellar, David Vaughan and Steven Fletcher. He recalls Titus Bramble, James McClean and Phil Bardsley, while Seb Larsson drops to the bench with Alfred N’Diaye recalled. It could be that Craig Gardner is shifted forward in support of Danny Graham up front, in what looks set to be a 4-5-1 to mirror United’s formation.
