Black Cats look set to have their minds focused on easier tasks

Premier League
3pm

The festive period isn't much of a problem for bigger teams with bigger squads but struggling sides have to prioritise matches.

Sunderland boss David Moyes may feel compelled to select a weakened team at Manchester United. The Mackems have a long injury list and a key fixture at Burnley on Saturday.

Moyes is likely to give some of his top men a break and United are likely to take full advantage with a comfortable home win.

Recommendation
Man Utd -1.5 on Asian handicap
2pts 4-6 Paddy Power

Bet on this match at Soccerbase.com

Team news
Man Utd
Luke Shaw (knock) will not be ready to return but no fresh injuries are reported.

Sunderland
Jan Kirchhoff (knee) faces 12 weeks on the sidelines and Billy Jones (hip), Javi Manquillo (knock) and Steven Pienaar (calf) are doubts. Lee Cattermole, Paddy McNair, Lynden Gooch and Duncan
Watmore are out long-term.

Key stat
Sunderland haven't scored in five of their last six away league games