Manchester United head into this weekend’s Premier League game against Sunderland six points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

United will look to follow-up last weekend’s derby victory over champions Manchester City with a victory over the struggling Black Cats at Old Trafford.

However, Sunderland picked-up a morale boosting 3-0 victory over Reading on Tuesday night which moved the North East outfit out of the relegation zone. The revival could be a short one though with United in good form.

The Red Devils expect to welcome centre-back Nemanja Vidic back from injury. Injuries have prevented the Serbian playing much of a role this season for Sir Alex Ferguson’s team, but everybody connected with the club will be delighted to see the defender return.

Meanwhile, Manchester City travel to Newcastle’s St James Park looking to bounce back from that 3-2 derby defeat. The derby defeat was their first league reverse of the season, but the champions will be confident of a return to form at struggling Newcastle.

Like neighbours Sunderland, Newcastle are having a poor season and are close to the relegation zone. The Magpies have lost four out of their last five Premier League games and look short of confidence.

Alan Pardew’s side are also going through an injury crisis, which his team could ill-afford. City will be looking to extend their eleven game unbeaten run against the Magpies in Saturday’s early kick-off.

Elsewhere, fourth place Everton will be looking to consolidate their place in the Champions League spots as the Toffees travel to Stoke’s Britannia Stadium. It won’t be an easy game for David Moyes’ side though, as Stoke have conceded just two goals at home this season.

A home victory could move the Potters onto the same points as the Toffees and right in the fight for the European places.

Other Premier League fixtures:

Saturday

Liverpool vs. Aston Villa

Norwich vs. Wigan

QPR vs. Fulham

Sunday

Tottenham vs. Swansea

West Brom vs. West Ham

Monday

Reading vs. Arsenal

Can Manchester City cut Manchester United’s lead at the top of the Premier League?