Black Cats battle Burnley in crucial relegation encounter

The Red Devils, odds-on 1/3 favourites, return to Premier League action after a poor FA Cup goalless draw with League Two side Cambridge United last time out.

However, United are in good form at Old Trafford, losing just once in their last 10 home games, and also easily toppled Leicester’s relegation rivals QPR with a comfortable 2-0 victory in their previous league outing.

Van Gaal’s top four hopefuls are available at 23/20 to win to nil for a second consecutive league clash.

Champions League football is the main target for United’s Dutch boss this season, and his side are still in a good position for a return to Europe’s elite club competition, currently sitting in fourth spot. They will have potent pair Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata back after being rested for their recent cup tie, with their superb skipper 6/5 to score his first-ever United goal against Leicester anytime.

The Foxes are rapidly running out of time and games in their search for survival, after slipping three points adrift of safety at the bottom of the table.

Although, Pearson’s struggling side will take comfort from a recent rejuvenation, having gone unbeaten in three games in all competitions, including two wins on their travels. Leonardo Ulloa bagged a brace in the reverse clash and is 10/3 to net anytime.

Stoke v QPR
The last time these two teams met at the Britannia Stadium, Mark Hughes’ QPR lost narrowly to Stoke City.

Hughes, now in charge of the Potters, are well clear of the drop zone having climbed to 10th spot and are odds-on 8/13 favourites after losing just once in five league outings.

QPR’s atrocious away form this term has seen them drop to second from bottom and are 8/5 to lose to nil. However, star man Charlie Austin has been in sensational form for the Loftus Road outfit, striking 13 league goals, and is 15/8 to net again anytime.