Betting tips / Lee Dixon / 13 May 2012 / Leave a comment Bet Now View Market

Although Wayne Rooney has been amazing, he probably won't win the title, however, Lee Dixon feels Sir Alex Ferguson's men are still a good bet to beat Sunderland in their Sunday Premier League match-up.

Match Odds/Half-time/Full-time

The United boss will make sure his men put in an improved performance this Sunday. Opta point out that that they've lost their last two on the road, both 1-0, but I'm also reminded that they have a great record against Sunderland, winning 14 of the last 19 between the clubs. Martin O'Neill has done a good job since taking over but Sunderland's resurgence has fizzled out and they are without a win in seven.

I don't anticipate a lot of goals in the match and United will have to battle. Eleventh in the table, you might think Sunderland have little to play for but the likes of John O'Shea and Phil Bardsley will be keen to compete against their old club, as will Fraizer Campbell if he plays. In midfield, Lee Cattermole has the joint-most bookings in the Premier League so we could see a lively contest between him and Paul Scholes.

I'll back United to prevail but the hosts can hold out until the second half so I'll take Draw/Man Utd too.

Under 1.5 Goals /Correct Score

United have failed to score in their last two away games. It's always good to see the emergence of an English striker, especially in an international tournament year, so I'm encouraged by Danny Wellbeck's performances this season. However, that's left Javier Hernandez struggling to get in the team after a brilliant first season last term. Consequently, United's attack hasn't always flowed as well as it might. Ashley Young has made a good start to his Old Trafford career and Wayne Rooney has been amazing but Martin O'Neill is a very smart tactician and, with the help of his ex-United defenders, I believe Sunderland can contain the visitors. According to Opta, two goals in this game will mean United become only the fourth team in Premier League history to reach over 90 goals in a season. I don't expect that to happen and I'm backing a 1-0 away win.

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