Sunderland has surprised many by collecting 11 points from its opening six matches in the Premier League – the most at this stage of the season for a newly-promoted side in the last 13 years.
It is also the club’s best start to a top-flight campaign in 70 years. The Black Cats travel to Old Trafford to take on an inconsistent Manchester United, looking to secure its first away win over the Red Devils since May 2014.
Regis Le Bris’ (main image), side will be boosted by the availability of French defender Nodri Mukiele, who has been a rock at the back. In his four league outings, Sunderland has picked up eight points and conceded just two goals.
However, it will be without midfielder Habib Diarra, winger Romaine Mundle, and defenders Dennis Cirkin and Leo Hjelde. Another defender, Reinildo Mandava, is suspended after his red card against Aston Villa.
Le Bris has worked wonders since taking charge, and another positive result at Old Trafford would not come as a surprise.
Meanwhile, Ruben Amorim is aiming to become the first Manchester United manager since Sir Alex Ferguson to win his 50th game in charge of the Red Devils. Ferguson reached that milestone with a win over Bury in 1987.
United has yet to sparkle under Amorim and sit 14th in the table with seven points from six matches. While his job is not immediately under threat, the board knows the team cannot afford many more slip-ups after missing out on Europe this season.
World champion hosts English champion
Another big clash sees Chelsea hosting Liverpool at Stamford Bridge early tomorrow (12.30am).
Chelsea, who lifted the Fifa Club World Cup in July, is eighth with eight points from six matches. The Blues face a wounded Liverpool side that leads the league but comes off back-to-back defeats to Crystal Palace in the league and Galatasaray in the Champions League.
Chelsea is battling an injury crisis, with Cole Palmer ruled out with a groin problem. He joins Liam Delap, Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo, Dario Essugo, and Andrey Santos on the sidelines. Trevoh Chalobah is suspended following his red card in the 3-1 defeat to Brighton.
Liverpool will be without goalkeeper Alisson Becker for up to four weeks with a hamstring injury. New signing Hugo Ekitike may feature despite limping off against Galatasaray.
The Reds have not won at Stamford Bridge in their last four visits – three draws and a defeat – but the Blues have only one win in their last 11 meetings in all competitions (seven draws and three Liverpool victories).
Liverpool has gone into each of the last five international breaks that followed a Premier League fixture with a victory, keeping a clean sheet in all of them.
Will that streak continue at Stamford Bridge?
Fixtures (Malaysian time)
Oct 4
Leeds vs Tottenham (7.30pm)
Manchester United vs Sunderland (10pm)
Arsenal vs West Ham (10pm)
Oct 5
Chelsea vs Liverpool (12.30am)
Everton vs Crystal Palace (9pm)
Newcastle vs Nottingham Forest (9pm)
Wolves vs Brighton (9pm)
Aston Villa vs Burnley (9pm)
Brentford vs Manchester City (11.30pm)
