Sunderland welcome Manchester United to the Stadium of Light on Saturday as they continue to seek for points that will push them out of the bottom three.

Sam Allardyce’s men are four points away from safety after picking up a point in the 2-2 draw away at Liverpool last week which saw them remain 19th on the table.

The big news from the Sunderland camp this week is that winger Adam Johnson has been sacked with immediate effect after the Englishman pleaded guilty to grooming and sexual activity with a child.

Allardyce had earlier confirmed that Johnson will not play a part in this weekend’s game against United so the sacking shouldn’t disrupt match preparations too much.

Their visitors have no such calamities to worry about but Louis van Gaal’s position remains under intense scrutiny as Jose Mourinho’s shadow continues to loom over the Dutchman.

This week, the English media suggested that Mourinho to United was a “done deal” but in truth, it’s unlikely the club will make a decision on the manager before the end of the season.

The Red Devils posted a 1-1 draw away to Chelsea last Sunday to remain fifth on the Premier League table with six points separating them from fourth-placed Manchester City going into this weekend’s matches.

Team news

Sunderland striker Fabio Borini is in contention to feature in the matchday squad while the in-form Jermain Defoe may be partnered by new recruit Dame N’Doye in the attack.

Meanwhile, Younes Kaboul (foot), Adam Matthews (ankle) and Sebastian Larsson (knee) remain out injured.

Van Gaal on the other hand is likely to put out the same starting XI that played at Chelsea which means Memphis Depay and Morgan Schneiderlin will continue to warm the bench while skipper Wayne Rooney leads the attack.

Predicted lineups