Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio has dubbed today’s game against Aston Villa “their Champions League Final.” Both clubs are incredibly desperate for a win to push them away from the dangers of the relegation zone in an important season for the league where next year’s TV money kicks in to bring many more millions to Premier League sides.
Aston Villa starting XI: Guzan, Lowton, Vlaar, Baker, Bennett, Westwood, Delph, Sylla, Weimann, Agbonlahor, Benteke
Sunderland starting XI: Mignolet, O’Shea, Cuellar, Rose, Bardsley, N’Diaye, Larsson, Gardner, Sessegnon, Johnson, Graham
For viewers in the United States, this match will be shown live on FOX Soccer instead of ESPN2.
A win for Sunderland should be enough to reach safety this Premier League season, although nothing is guaranteed until the season ends. A win for Villa will push them five points away from Wigan Athletic. But a win for Villa will also mean that Newcastle United will be joint 17th in the Premier League and staring down at the relegation zone.
Before, during or after today’s match, join the conversation regarding this game in the comments section below. This one should be a barnstormer.
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