Premier League: Manchester United v Sunderland match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at Old Trafford

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester United will look to continue on their recent good form as they look to extend their six-point advantage at the top of the Premier League.

Last week's impressive victory at the Etihad Stadium has put United in pole position going into the festive period, and they will look to extend their excellent form over Sunderland - winning 15 and drawing five of their last 20 Premier League meetings with the Black Cats.

Sunderland will arrive at Old Trafford in positive mood after their comprehensive mid-week victory over Reading at the Stadium of Light - just their fifth win in 30 games.

Only Arsene Wenger and Gerard Houllier have orchestrated more Premier League wins at Old Trafford in the Premier League than Martin O'Neill, so an away win is not unthinkable for the Mackems.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Manchester United 2 (Berbatov 2) Sunderland 0, Premier League, Dec 2010

Manchester United 1 (Brown o.g) Sunderland 0, Premier League, Nov 2011

Sunderland 0 Manchester United 1 (Rooney), Premier League, May 2012

STATS…

Robin van Persie has scored 14 goals in 20 appearances this season for United.

Manchester United have already conceded more goals this season (23) than the entire 2007/2008 campaign (22).

Only seven sides have conceded more goals than Manchester United.

Sunderland are yet to be awarded a penalty this season.

Sunderland have come from behind to win only one of the last 109 PL away games in which they've trailed (2-1 v Blackburn, Nov 08).

Martin O'Neill is the only manager ever to win at Old Trafford with two different teams.

ODDS…

Manchester United to win: 1.22

Sunderland to win: 17.5

Draw: 7.8

TV: Highlights on BBC 1, 10.25pm