Barclays Premier League: Manchester City Vs Sunderland Preview

Sunderland boss Martin O’Neill brings the Black Cats back to the Etihad on Saturday for the weekend’s first match in the Premier League. 

Sunderland are in any event grabbing a level of energy at the Stadium of Light under Gus Poyet as they attempt and salvage their season. They managed to beat fierce rivals Newcastle in the Tyne-Wear derby along with making it to the quarter-finals of the Capital One Cup after overcoming Southampton.

Manchester City will be looking to mend their away form in the Premier League having only won one away from home however they offered reparations for their loss Chelsea at Stamford Bridge by scoring 12 goals in their last two games, including a 7-0 win over Norwich City in the league.

On the injury front, City could still be without their captain Vincent Kompany who has a thigh injury and Stefan Jovetic is out with a calf problem. David Silva, Fernandinho and Javi Garcia all have question marks over their fitness after picking up knocks. For Sunderland, their only injury problem is goalkeeper is Keiren Westwood who had a collision with Hull City’s Paul McShane during Sunderland’s loss at the KC Stadium, but he could be fit enough for Sunday.

Steven Fletcher, Craig Gardner and Emanuele Giaccherini are Sunderland’s top scorer in the league this season with 2 goals each. Sergio Aguero is Manchester City’s top scorer in the league this season with 8 goals.

It was a Manchester City old boy who put a dent in City’s ambitions of retaining their Premier League title as Adam Johnson’s goal was enough to down Roberto Mancini’s men. After a goalless first half when Vincent Kompany hit the bar for City, Adam Johnson struck from 25 yards just after the interval to give Sunderland the lead, and ultimately all three points. Simon Mignolet made saves from Yaya Toure and David Silva to keep the Mackems in front, and condemn City to a second successive 1-0 defeat at the Stadium of Light.

Predicted Match Score: Manchester City 4 – 1 Sunderland

Possible Line ups:

Sunderland (4-4-2): Vito Mannone; Craig Gardner, John O’Shea, Wes Brown, Jack Colback; Johnson, Cabral, Larsson, Giaccherini; Altidore, Sessegnon.

Manchester City (4-4-2): Costel Pantillimon; Pablo Zabaleta, Vincent Kompany, Matija Nastasic, Gael Clichy; Javi Garcia, Yaya Toure, James Milner, David Silva; Edin Dzeko, Alvaro Negredo.