With Tottenham, Fulham and West Ham all picking up points in their respective games, this is absolute must win for City with a trip to the Emirates to face Arsenal waiting around the corner.
A win will take us into 9th position on goal difference.
Vital Quotes:
Sunderland manager Sbragia is all too aware of the threat posed by City saying: ‘They have got a good squad and good depth to their squad. They can change it around and they have an excellent record at home.’
‘We know it’s going to be really difficult.
‘We remember we played them at home, they had a European game on Thursday so we thought they were going to be struggling, but they beat us 3-0 on the day… So we know it’s going to be dangerous.’
Manchester City FC Team News:
Nigel de Jong is expected to return to the starting line-up, possibly for Vincent Kompany who is still struggling with a nagging toe injury.
Shaun Wright-Phillips, Stephen Ireland, Wayne Bridge are all struggling to shrug off knocks.
Player to watch: Robinho
The Brazilian mega-star will be back in his comfort zone at Eastlands and will see far more of the ball that he see’s playing away from home.
This game presents a fantastic opportunity for Robinho to silence the critics.
Sunderland Team News:
Defensive duo Anton Ferdinand and Nyron Nosworthy are back in training and could start on Sunday.
On loan defender Tal Ben-Haim is unable to play due to the the terms of his loan agreement with Manchester City.
Kieran Richardson is another absentee as he completes a two-match ban.
Player to watch: Steed Malbranque
Steed Malbranque was a great aquisition by Sunderland and he has been worth every penny they paid with some accomplished performances for Sunderland.
Malbranque will need to be closed down quickly if City are to stand any chance of keeping him out of the game.
Match Facts & Stats
City’s only away win this season was against Sunderland.
Ref Watch:
Steve Tanner has 10 games with two reds and 33 yellows to his name. He officiated the 3-0 victory over Stoke earlier in the season. Lets hope for a repeat performance.
Match Prediction:
City are nearly always assured at home, keeping possession and making things happen. European exersions will have taken their toll, however, I think we can expect a win going by our tremendous home form. Im gunning for an emphatic win: MCFC 3-0 Sunderland.
Next Fixtures:
Away at Arsenal at 3pm on Saturday 4th April 2009.