All the footprints you've ever left and fear expecting ahead (Sunderland)

I'm not going to go for my usual display of over-confidence today. I still think we're going to win, but expecting a tough game, it seems like it's time to grind out results, rather than excessive expression of confidence.
I don't see Sunderland having enough to really disturb our defence, no matter who plays. Gary Neville, much maligned recently has got quite a few minutes under his belt now so hopefully will be back up to speed. Sunderland are having trouble scoring and they have just one win in their last eight games. I expect them to make life difficult, as they did at Old Trafford, but just as much, expect us to come out with the three points. The BBC also point out something that could have been forgotten in all the recent talk of our "crisis":

The recent unfamiliar occurrence of back-to-back league defeats, has tended to mask the fact that Manchester United have won 12 of their last 14 top-flight outings, and have a match in hand as they bid for a hat-trick of Premier League titles, an 11th in this league and a record equalling 18th English top-flight crown.

Sky Sports have this team as their probable:

Van der Sar, Neville, O'Shea, Vidic, Evra, Park, Ronaldo, Carrick, Fletcher, Rooney, Tevez.

It's possible Giggs could feature in there I guess, but given the Porto game coming up he may be saved for that. After Nani's performance against Villa it would be surprising if he started. And Park and Fletcher's energy may be useful against a Sunderland battling against relegation. So I'll go along with this selection.
Facts from The BBC

Grant Leadbitter's effort in the 1-1 home draw with Arsenal on 4 October is the only goal scored [for Sunderland] in six matches against the 'Big Four', and one of two points from the possible 18 this term against the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United. They have failed to score in 14 of the last 16 matches against the elite quartet, and netted just three times in that period.

No club has gained more Premier League points against Sunderland than Manchester United's 36, and no club has scored more goals in this league against the Black Cats than United's 35.

Prediction? Everything points to our victory, I expect a bit of a battle, but one which we'll edge 2-1.