Man Utd’s Wearside record points to a win to nil against Sunderland

Swansea took advantage of a less than full-strength Man Utd XI to zap David Moyes’ men from the FA Cup, but Sunderland aren’t getting off so lightly and Danny Welbeck is expected to punish his former side by making the breakthrough.

The Manchester Evening News suggests that, having sat out the third round reverse, David de Gea, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra, Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney will all be back in the line-up for the trip to the Stadium of Light.

United are 8/11 for victory, with their hosts 4/1 and a first-leg draw 11/4.

However the Red Devils’ propensity for both shutout wins at Sunderland in recent years and in the Capital One Cup this term suggests the 17/10 about them winning to nil might be a cannier wager.

Craig Gardner’s fifth-minute strike was the first home goal the Black Cats have managed against the red half of Manchester since 2009.

Meanwhile Moyes’ boys have beaten Liverpool, Norwich and Stoke without concession on their way to this tie.

In addition to the reupholstered backline due to start proceedings against Sunderland, win to nil backers can count on the hosts’ blunt attack for assistance.

Gus Poyet’s shrinking Violets have left three of their last five games against Premier League foes without a goal to show for their efforts.

As for who will provide United with the edge, then it could just be a man who has Sunderland to thank for a formative 2010/11 loan season that did plenty for his career.

Danny Welbeck made the case for himself as a top-class player under Steve Bruce, but arrives back in the form to punish his former club for the indulgence.

The England man looks well worth closer inspection at 6/5 to score anytime or 9/2 to bag first/last having notched five times in his last seven games.

Wayne Rooney’s return to the fold offers further encouragement for a Welbeck wager, with the academy product notching four times in his last four starts alongside the former Everton man.