6th Jan 2014 | League Cup
Sunderland v Man Utd Tip
Perhaps sharing the spoils would suit both managers as it would keep hopes alive all round for the second leg.
For all the talk about Manchester United in crisis, it would be easy to let it pass you by that the defending league champions are actually going along very nicely away from Old Trafford. The so called ‘Theatre of Dreams’ has been the scene of every recent nightmare.
On the road, the Red Devils are unbeaten in seven and have won their last three. They now head to the Stadium of Light for the first leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final and I think they will earn a draw at best odds of 14/5 with Betfred.
The reason I think the tie will remain in the balance is that Sunderland have fared well at home to some of the big boys already in 2013-14. Manchester City were beaten here in November while Chelsea were dismissed 2-1 in the last round of this competition.
On that latter occasion the match ended level after 90 minutes and I think both sides would probably settle for that here. On the one hand, United would seemingly have one foot in the final after an away draw. On the other, the Black Cats might fancy they could become the latest team to cause an upset at Old Trafford.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 17:04 6th Jan, 2014 but subject to change
