MATCHCENTER

The Basics

Kansas City Wizards (4-8-4, 16 points, fifth place in East) vs. Manchester United (2-0-0 preseason, 2009 EPL runners-up), at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo.

TV Info

6 p.m. ET, Fox Soccer Channel, Fox Sports en Español

Game intro

Halfway through their North American tour, Manchester United are undefeated in two matches and are beginning to find the form that most expect will propel the side into the race for the English Premier League title. Kansas City, on the other hand, are struggling to keep their head above water in a competitive playoff race in MLS’ Eastern Conference. This one won’t be played for points, but that doesn’t mean either side will want to win any less.

Kansas City Wizards

During most of June and July, it appeared as though the Wizards would limp into this marquee exhibition with little to no confidence. That, however, changed last week, when Peter Vermes’ went on the road to surprise the East’s first-place Columbus 1-0 and then manage a draw against Colorado 1-1.

Newfound momentum aside, Manchester United pose a much different test for the Kansas City. Vermes’ side won’t shy away from their high-pressure approach, but the Wizards will be hard-pressed to keep United on the back foot for long.

Manchester United

United barely got out of Philadelphia with a 1-0 victory against the Union on Wednesday night, but they did so thanks to a 76th-minute goal by Gabriel Obertan. The Red Devils had plenty of opportunities to walk away with a wider margin of victory, but Philadelphia’s superior fitness level and determination evened the playing field significantly.

Still, it’s going to take a Herculean effort from the Wizards to defeat Sir Alex Ferguson’s men, who boast a talent level and tactical understanding far superior to that of their stateside opponents.

Heroes & Villains

Jimmy Nielsen vs. United’s forwards – Nielsen has been brilliant this season for the Wizards, but it’s likely that the Dane will never again face the kind of attacking talent he’ll see on Sunday during the remainder of his career. There's no doubt that the Red Devils will create their fair share of scoring opportunities, so Nielsen will have to reach into his bag of tricks to keep Kansas City in the game unless he gets significant help from a back line that has struggled mightily at times.

Stat that makes you go “Hm…"

With more than 40,000 tickets already sold, Sunday’s match will be the most attended soccer match in Kansas City’s history. The previous record was 37,319, set when the US Men’s National Team played a World Cup qualifier against Costa Rica at Arrowhead Stadium in 2001.