MAN CITY v Sunderland: The PREVIEW – City’s Probable Team
30 Mar
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The visit of Sunderland tomorrow offers the Blues another fantastic opportunity to return to the summit of the Premier League table, with Manchester United having to wait until Monday before facing Blackburn. Following the draw against Stoke, this home fixture represents a perfect chance to avenge our injury-time defeat to the Black Cats earlier this season, when, having dominated the match, we succumbed to Ji Dong Won’s 93rd minute offside goal.
Sunderland’s recent away record is far from impressive, recording just one victory and three losses in their past five games on the road, and combining that with our scinitilating form at the Etihad Stadium, all signs point towards a Blue victory. However, we have only won one of the last four meetings between the sides so will have to guard against complacency.
With regards to team selection, Roberto Mancini is devoid of the services of Joleon Lescott in defence, but inspirational captain Vincent Kompany returns from injury and is set to partner Kolo Touré in the centre of the backfour, with Micah Richards reverting to his more regular rightback role. Aleks Kolarov is competing with Gael Clichy for a berth of left of defence, with Gareth Barry and Yaya Touré expected to occupy their normal midfield places.
Further forward, Sergio Aguero is out with what Mancini has deemed a ‘stupid’ injury and the manager has revealed nothing more. As a result, Carlos Tévez is pushing for his first start since returning from an extended golfing holiday in Argentina, though I’d expect Mario Balotelli to lead the line on his own. Adam Johnson, who so often impresses against Sunderland, is in line for a place on the right wing, with David Silva and Samir Nasri the other attacking midfielders.
Here is the side Mancini could select:
The visitors are without on-loan City defender Wayne Bridge, who is ineligible, whilst former Manchester United versatility player John O’Shea remains injured. Their form has been strong since Martin O’Neill became manager, with the Northern Irishman added defensive steel to the side, and allowing the likes of Stéphane Sessegnon and James McClean to express themselves. The battle between Micah Richards and McClean could be a decisive one, whilst Nicklas Bendtner has the ability to cause our defence problems.
Referee: Phil Dowd – He has officiated five City games in all competitions this season, the most by any referee, and our record with Dowd is fairly good: three wins, a draw and a defeat. He gave a terrible decision to award a penalty against Micah Richards for handball v Liverpool in the Carling Cup.
Prediction: MAN CITY 2 – 0 Sunderland – We should have more than enough quality to brush aside the Black Cats and avenge our defeat to them earlier this season. Goals to be scored by Mario Balotelli and Carlos Tévez.
There is no question on the fact that there has been a dip on David Silva’s form. This should open a window of opportunity for James Milner to operate in his desired role as CM, I do hope he gets a chance. The title is ours to get, so Mancini should throw all caution away and go for the kill.
yeah seems like Milner’s due for a start. Still hard to sit Silva though, Id rather sit Barry. I hope more than anything Adam Johnson starts, we need some width!
I’d give Tevez the start, what the hell. We need a spark from somewhere
Hey All, I’m an Arsenal fan inviting you to visit Goonerholic’s blog @AFC for a friendly debate leading up to next Sunday’s game. Both clubs are fighting for placement in the top 3. You above United, and us ahead of Spurs. Should be fun to exchange our opinions and share our hopes. Love to see you there.