League Cup Semi Final 1st Leg Sunderland Vs Manchester United: Official Sunderland Not606 Match Thread please log in to view this image Stadium Of Light please log in to view this image Match Appointments Referee: ANDRE MARRINER Assistants: Sian Massey and Peter Bankes Fourth Official: Craig Pawson Sunderland Team News SUNDERLAND were today handed a huge boost ahead of their Capital One Cup semi-final against Manchester United with the news that defensive trio John O’Shea, Valentin Roberge and Modibo Diakite are all fit for the game. The three centre-halves missed the FA Cup win over Carlisle United yesterday, meaning Gus Poyet had to field midfielder Ki Sung-yeung alongside Wes Brown. But the Sunderland boss today revealed O’Shea, Roberge and Diakite are all fit and in contention for tomorrow’s game at the Stadium of Light. Brown is also fit and available for the clash against his former team after playing 90 minutes on his return from suspension. Carlos Cuellar and Keiren Westwood remain long term casualties Manchester United Team News MANCHESTER United manager David Moyes is expected to recall a number of big names for the Capital One Cup semi-final first leg at Sunderland. Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra and David de Gea are all set to return after sitting out Sunday’s shock FA Cup home defeat by Swansea. Robin van Persie (thigh) and Phil Jones (knee) are unlikely to be involved. Marouane Fellaini (wrist), Ashley Young (shoulder) and Nani (hamstring) are definitely out, Fabio starts a three-match ban and Rio Ferdinand faces a spell on the sidelines after injuring his knee at the weekend. Poyet “The cups have been the nicest part of the season, when you think about how tough the league has been, so let’s enjoy it,” he said. “It’s important the players enjoy the occasion and rise to it and I don’t want them going out there feeling the pressure, I want them to see it as a chance to show how well they can do. “The reality is - I just want to win the game. “I don’t want to get bogged down by thinking of the second leg or whatever, I just want to win a football match at home annd then, depending on what happens, assess how we go forward in the second leg. “We have to try to defend well, get better, not make mistakes, not give encouragement to our opponents and if we can get a few chances, let’s take them. “Let’s not forget that this is a cup semi-final for us and our fans. We have earned the right to be there and we have to do everything to give a good account of ourselves, just like we did against Chelsea in the previous round.” Moyes "Our approach to Sunderland had to have the FA Cup game in mind because it was two matches in 48 hours. It has always been vital for us to win every game and get to every final if we can," Moyes is quoted as saying by PA. "There is a job in front of us in every competition we enter. We have got to overcome Sunderland in a two-game match to reach the final. "It will be a difficult game and difficult to judge exactly how the first leg will go. But we will try to get ourselves to the Cup final if we can." Previews please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image Last 4 Meetings [table="width: 500, class: grid, align: center"] [tr] [td]Season[/td] [td]Date[/td] [td]Home[/td] [td]Result[/td] [td]Away[/td] [td]Competition[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]2013/2014[/td] [td]Sat 05 Oct[/td] [td]Sunderland[/td] [td]1-2[/td] [td]Man Utd[/td] [td]Premier League [/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]2012/2013[/td] [td]Sat 30 Mar[/td] [td]Sunderland[/td] [td]0-1[/td] [td]Man Utd[/td] [td]Premier League [/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]2012/2013[/td] [td]Sat 15 Dec[/td] [td]Man Utd[/td] [td]3-1[/td] [td]Sunderland[/td] [td]Premier League [/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]2011/2012[/td] [td]Sun 13 May[/td] [td]Sunderland[/td] [td]0-1[/td] [td]Man Utd[/td] [td]Premier League [/td] [/tr] [/table] Stats n Facts Sunderland's only final appearance came in 1985, when an own goal from Gordon Chisholm enabled Norwich City to claim a 1-0 victory at Wembley. The two teams last met in the League Cup 13 seasons ago, with Sunderland winning a fourth-round tie 2-1 after extra-time at home. Sunderland have gone 20 games without a win against Manchester United in all competitions. The last time the Black Cats made it to the semi-finals was in the 1998-99 season, where they lost to Leicester City over two-legs. Gus Poyet's side have won all five of their home ties in both League Cup and FA Cup this season, with four of those inside 90 minutes. The Wearsiders have had nine different goalscorers for their 10 LC goals - only Connor Wickham (on loan at Sheffield Wednesday) has managed more than one goal. Betting please log in to view this image Links please log in to view this image
He'll know he's being watched by millions and what the Sunderland supporters are expecting. I seriously expect him to be a good thing for us tomorrow. Man Utd aren't getting such an easy ride since Ferguson stepped down. I can't be there but I hope everyone who goes has a great time and raises the roof ......... should be a good atmosphere if Sunderland don't wave the white flag and get at them.
The officials don`t seem as scared of Moyes do they? I reckon we might just go to Old Trafford with a lead.
I'm under massive pressure to get the washing machine fixed and already well in the dog house so the away leg is not looking good at the moment.
Haven`t you got a sink she could use for now? Doesn`t the lass realise how important footy is? You disappoint me lad.
I am going been to all games this season. 13 years ago when we had 47,000 there !, time flies hope for 40,000 + tomorrow. have not beaten Man u at the stadium of light since then !, but Chelsea had that 9 game winning run ended in the last round,but Young is one of their key players so he will be missed. So keep Rooney quiet and we might win !.
I've just heard that only 28,000 tickets sold for this game at present with cash turnstiles in operation.
