Preview: Sunderland vs. Manchester United

Manchester United could temporarily move 18 points clear at the top of the Premier League table on Saturday if they beat Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

The Red Devils take on the Black Cats in the early kickoff, with second-placed Manchester City hosting Newcastle United later in the day.

United come into the match on the back of six consecutive wins in the league, while their unbeaten record stretches back to 17 games.

In contrast, Sunderland's relegation woes are far from over as they toil without a victory in seven outings.

Martin O'Neill's side are currently four points above the drop zone with eight matches left to play.

The big team news is that the hosts will be without leading goalscorer Steven Fletcher, who was recently ruled out for the rest of the season with a serious ankle injury.

Club captain Lee Cattermole is also sidelined for the remainder of the campaign due to a knee problem.

Nani is still unavailable for the visitors, but Paul Scholes and Phil Jones could be back in the squad following spells on the treatment table.

Recent form

Sunderland: LLLDLD

Man Utd: WWWLDW

Possible lineups

Sunderland: Mignolet; O'Shea, Cuellar, Bramble, Rose; Larsson, Gardner, Vaughan, Johnson, Sessegnon; Graham

Man Utd: De Gea; Evra, Ferdinand, Vidic, Rafael; Cleverley, Carrick, Giggs; Kagawa; Rooney, Van Persie

Sports Mole says: 0-2