Sunderland travel to Manchester as all but condemned men, pride is all they can play for, although the embarrassing task of gaining 20 points seems to be McCarthy’s new aim this season.
City still have an outside chance of European qualification and, as with every other side in this division, will be confident of getting all three points from this encounter.
Vital Quotes:
Sunderland new boy Rory Delap; ‘I would like to have a run in the side. I have not come here to sit on the bench or sit in the stand.
‘I am here to win a place in the team but you cannot expect anything. I expect a battle and I will put in the work in training.
‘When you look at this season the fans are still turning up and that is away from home as well. We have to try to get a few good results for those fans.’
Youngster Grant Leadbitter; ‘Obviously the quality’s a lot better in the Premiership but the first thing you notice is it’s more competitive.
‘Once you get a taste for first-team football you want it all the time. It gives you that bit of encouragement. I’m enjoying it and I feel comfortable at this level.
‘I just want to keep playing well and, hopefully, I can stay in the team.’
Man City Team News:
David Sommeil and Micah Richards are battling for the right back slot, after the Danny Mills put in a below par perfomance against Liverpool.
With Joey Barton suspended, Pearce has several midfield options at his disposal. Stephen Ireland and ex-Sunderland player Claudio Reyna will be hoping to be selected, although Pearce could opt instead to move Micah Richards or Antoine Sibierski into midfield.
Darius Vassel is expected to be fit and partner Samaras upfront, with Sibierski and Bradley Wright-Phillips – who recently scored a hat-trick against Sunderland reserves – ready in backup.
Player to watch: Darius Vassel
Scored a great goal at The Stadium of Light earlier in the season, his clinical partnership with Andy Cole the main reason Sunderland lost that match somehwat undeservedly. Once again, his pace and trickery is bound to trouble Sunderland’s pedestrian defence.
Sunderland Team News:
Martin Woods recieved a knock on Scotland U-21 international duty and will play no part in this game. With Stephen Wright confirmed as out for the season, Nosworthy will keep his place at right back. Rory Delap is in line for a first start although Tommy Miller is back from suspension, and will be vying with Grant Leadbitter for a place in midfield.
George McCartney has recovered from a hamstring injury and should return to the side, though Ben Alnwick is still 2 weeks from returning, therefore Joe Murphy keeps his place on the bench as reserve keeper.
Player to watch: Stephen Elliot
After continuing in his recovery from injury by playing 48 minutes for the Republic of Ireland midweek, Elliot will be hoping to get one over his former team mates, having signed from City reserves a year and a half ago. Always sharp and lively, Sunderland fans will be hoping he’s involved to add some bite to an otherwise tame attack.
Match Facts & Stats
HEAD TO HEAD TOTALS
League: Man City 49 wins, Sunderland 43, Draws 19
Prem: Man City 4 wins, Sunderland 1, Draws 0
HEAD TO HEAD at Man City
League: Man City 34 wins, Sunderland 12, Draws 9
Prem: Man City 2 wins, Sunderland 0, Draws 0
Ref Watch:
Chris Foy (St Helens)
Match Prediction:
City’s home form will be too strong for Sunderland, and it should be a comfortable victory. Though watch out for a Stephen Elliot comeback goal. 3-1
You need to get rid of that idiot of a manager before next season so you can concentrate on getting back up to the Prem again.
bearing in mind it was that ‘idiot’ manager who got us here. just a thought.