Capital One Cup: Sunderland v Manchester United match preview

A look ahead to Tuesday's semi-final first leg at the Stadium of Light

Manchester United manager David Moyes looks on in downbeat fashion during his club's 2-1 defeat by Swansea (GETTY IMAGES)

Having lost their first two games of 2014, Manchester United will be hoping to return to form when they face Sunderland tonight in the first leg of their Capital One Cup Semi Final.

David Moyes’ squad has been a shadow of the team they were last season as they now sit seventh in the Premier League and were also knocked out of the FA Cup last weekend to Swansea. At this stage of the season last year, United were 7 points clear at the top of the league.

Their League Cup form is promising however, as they have yet to concede a goal in the competition. Gus Poyet’s Sunderland, currently sit at the bottom of the Premier League table with 14 points. There might be a reason for optimism within the Black Cats squad as they have lost only once in their last seven games.

With United’s hopes of a successive Premier League title quickly fading, and their recent exit from the FA Cup, David Moyes is running out of domestic trophies to win, which should make for an exciting League Cup Semi Final.

KICK-OFF: Tuesday, 7.45pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS:

Sunderland 1 (Gardner) Manchester United 2 (Januzaj (2)), Premier League, October 2013

Sunderland 0 Manchester United 1 (Bramble), Premier League, March 2013

Manchester United 3 (Van Persie, Cleverley, Rooney) Sunderland 1 (Campbell), Premier League, December 2012

STATS:

Sunderland have gone 20 games without a win against Manchester United in all competitions.

United's last defeat on Wearside was a 2-1 League Cup defeat after extra-time at the Stadium of Light in November 2000.

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.

Manchester United are yet to concede a goal in their three League Cup ties so far.

ODDS:

Sunderland to win: 4.75

Arsenal to win: 1.72

Draw: 3.3

TV: Live on Sky Sports 1 at 7.45pm, highlights on BBC 1 on Wednesday at 11.15pm