Match Preview

Sunderland V Man City Preview

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Sunderland enter their third home game on the spin with renewed confidence after they beat Bolton comfortably 4-0 during the week.

This game will be a completely new test for Steve Bruce’s men as they face a classy outfit with Man City.

Last time Sunderland met City they scored three goals and got Mark Hughes the sack, but they still lost! In the mad World that is unfolding at Eastlands they appointed Mancini immediately after the 4-3 victory over Sunderland.

City are looking good for fourth spot and will fancy their chances as they look to make it five wins in consecutive attempts at the Stadium of Light.

If Sunderland can play with the same confidence that they showed at full time on Tuesday they can aim for a point against the sky blues.

Vital Quotes: Steve Bruce

Steve Bruce speaks about the impressive Steed Malbranque: ‘He has certainly had his best two games of the season playing there, and I thought he was our best player the other night.

‘We had a lot of players playing very well but Steed, certainly in the six months I have been here, it was the best performance I have seen him put in.

‘He was terrific and fair play to him. He responded in the right way, he took the challenge. He didn’t sulk about what had happened the previous week, being left out of the squad.

‘He came in and did very, very well. I was pleased.’

Sunderland Team News:

Sunderland will be without captain Lorik Cana as he picked up his 10th booking of the season.

Cattermole looks likely to be fit as he was subbed in the latest game as a precaution by Bruce.

Henderson, Richardson and Reid are all major doubts so Meyler may return to the squad.

Player to watch: Darren Bent

Bent scored his first top-flight hat trick in the red and white stripes and he will be looking to continue his rich form.

Bent has scored half of Sunderland’s league goals this season and without him they would be in the bottom three. We need to hope him and Malbranque can create the same chances against City on Sunday for any chance of a point or all three.

Man City Team News:

Vieira will return to the squad after his suspension.

Adebayor will miss this game but other than that City are looking at a full strength team.

Player to watch: Tevez

Always a threat and scored against Sunderland in the 4-3 defeat earlier this season.

This will be a real test for Mensah and Turner but this is the standards they need to get used to in the Premier league.

Match Facts & Stats

One fact says it all…City have won 9 in a row against Sunderland and this has to change on Sunday….or not?

Ref Watch:

Chris Foy

Match Prediction:

Sunderland 1 – 2 City

We are all buzzing after Tuesday’s victory but this will be a completely different standard to who we witnessed last time around. City are pushing for 4th spot and may have too much for Sunderland as they look for their 10th win in a row against us.

Next Fixtures:

Sunderland play their last home game in a row against the in form Birmingham City next Saturday

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1 comment

  • Roberto Bettega says:

    Qh dear me,he he he!!.By the way Gaz,can you tell me how many points you are above Bolton? Fizzy pop league for you methinks!!

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