Robin van Persie’s ankle injury offers Radamel Falcao another chance to impress in attack after an underwhelming spell so far at Manchester United. He is likely to be partnered in attack by James Wilson, who has, arguably, outshone his more illustrious – and considerably higher paid – team-mate this season. Sunderland, with one win from their past 10 league games, need at least a point on Saturday to guarantee they will not be sucked into the bottom three. Rich Flower

Kick-off Saturday 3pm

Venue Old Trafford

Last season Man Utd 0 Sunderland 1

Referee R East

This season G10, Y41, R1, 4.30 cards per game

Odds H 4-11 A 10-1 D 9-2

Manchester Utd

Subs from Lindegaard, Valdés, Vermijl, Thorpe, Pereira, Da Silva, Mata, Blackett, Carrick, Valencia, Herrera, Januzaj

Doubtful Carrick (calf)

Injured Van Persie (ankle, Apr)

Suspended None

Form LWWDWL

Discipline Y52 R4

Leading scorer Van Persie 10

Sunderland

Subs from Mannone, Van Aanholt, Coates, Bridcutt, Gómez, Buckley, Fletcher, Graham, Agnew, Honeyman

Doubtful None

Injured Jones (ankle, 7 Mar), Rodwell (groin, 7 Mar), Giaccherini (ankle, Aug)

Suspended None

Form LLWDLD

Discipline Y66 R1

Leading scorers Fletcher, Johnson 4