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Game against Sunderland is United’s to lose

United are a top priced 1.22 with Coral to beat Sunderland at Old Trafford, and it looks a case of how many they will win by.

United are a top priced 1.22 with Coral to beat Sunderland at Old Trafford, and it looks a case of how many they will win by.

The Red Devils come into the game six points clear at the top of the table following their dramatic last gasp 3-2 win over arch rivals man City last weekend, and this is the first of six games over the Christmas period that they are fully expected to win on paper.

As far as the stats are concerned Sir Alex’s side have won 15 and lost none of the last 20 Premier League meetings with the Black Cats.

They have also lost just one of their last 16 Premier League games at Old Trafford, and face a side who despite beating Reading 3-0 last time out have been very poor this season and lack any real cutting edge.

Martin O’Neill’s side have also won just one of their last 15 league away games (W1 D7 L7) on the road and have failed to score in nine of their last 11 league games against United – including the last five in a row.

That makes United to win to nil look well worth a punt at a standout 2.1 with Ladbrokes.

Robin van Persie has scored seven goals in nine appearances against Sunderland in all competitions and five times in seven games in the Premier League.

That makes him the obvious choice in the goalscorer markets, and he can be backed at 3.75 with bet365 to bag the opener and 1.73 with Betfred to net anytime.

I fancy United to win this 4-0 or 5-0, and those scorelines can be backed at 11 and 19 respectively with sportingbet.