Sunderland travel to Manchester City in this weekend’s Boxing Day clash in desperate need of a win.
The Black Cats have lost three games on the trot and currently sit five points off the bottom in 19th position. City, on the other hand, are in third position in the league having recently struggled away from the Etihad, though they have lost only twice on their home turf this season.
Last week’s defeat to Arsenal has left Manuel Pellegrini’s side four points clear of second place and six points behind league leaders Leicester City. The Citizens have not been playing to the best of their abilities but the game against Sunderland could prove to be a turning point for the Manchester club.
Key Battle – Vincent Kompany vs Jermain Defoe
Manchester City have had their evident struggles in defence in recent times and stats would suggest that has been due to the fact that their skipper and star defender Vincent Kompany has been missing through injury. The likes of Nicolas Otamendi, Martin Demichelis and Eliaquim Mangala have produced some appalling defensive performances in recent times but Pellegrini will be relieved to see his captain back in training. The Belgian may not have started a lot of games this season but in all occasions that he has featured in the side this season, City have only conceded one goal. Though it is a doubt as to whether he will play or not, City will need their experienced captain to guide them to a much needed clean sheet.
Gone are the days when Defoe was considered to be one of England’s most dangerous strikers. The 33-year-old has still managed to get among the goals for a side not known to score a lot, especially this season. The England international remains his side’s top scorer with four in the league and seven in all competition and he will be eager to add to that tally, with the Black Cats desperately looking to add some points and goals to their name.
Team News
Sergio Aguero and Vincent Kompany seem to have brushed off injury concerns and are more than likely to feature against Sunderland. City’s only injury concern lies in the absence of Samir Nasri who is battling a hamstring injury.
Sam Allardyce has a number of injuries to deal with at the moment. Lee Cattermole, Younes Kaboul and Sebastian Larsson are all sidelined while Jack Rodwell is serving his one-match ban after he reached five yellow cards this season.
Head-to-Head
In 141 meetings in all competitions between the two sides, Manchester City have won 66 of them, while the Black Cats have won on 50 occasions. The other 25 have been draws, with the Sky Blues winning the last three encounters.
Previous Meeting
The two sides last met this season in the league Cup when City eased past Sunderland 4-1 at the Stadium of Light. The previous league meeting between the two was an exciting 3-2 victory for City, this time at the Etihad on New Year’s Day, this year.
Prediction
Sunderland’s poor record this season would indicate that they do not stand any real chance against City while the Sky Blues’ home record would also imply the same. Big Sam’s men will have to go out all guns blazing if they want to get a positive result out of this, while Pellegrini will be hopeful his side avoid any slip-ups.
Manchester City 3 Sunderland 0
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
