After City and Sunderland scraped through in their respective cup competitions during the week; both teams will be looking for an easy victory on Sunday.
Vital Quotes:
Mark Hughes talks about Shaun Wright Phillips back at his spiritual home: “I am absolutely delighted. I made it clear to Shaun that he was key to what we are trying to do here. We need to attract top quality players, and Shaun certainly is that. It`s vital that we have the ability to bring players like him here.
“We are trying to bring in other players that will compliment what we already have here, but the key was to get Shaun through the door and back where he belongs.
“We have great plans here, this is a huge project that we are trying to get off the floor. The need to get good quality players is obvious because we want to move onto a higher level, and we hope that this is the start of a great journey.”
Sunderland AFC Team News:
Steed Malbranque is likely to miss Sunderland’s game against Manchester City (Sunday, 3pm) after hurting his ankle at Nottingham Forest on Wednesday.
Anton Ferdinand will not be included in the squad after signing from West Ham this week and Michael Chopra is suspended.
Teemu Tainio remains on the injury list while Kieran Richardson faces a late fitness check on a rib injury.
Kenwyne Jones, Dwight Yorke and Martyn Waghorn are still missing.
Player to watch: Djibril Cisse
The on loan striker from Marseille can be a real handful in and around the box.
Manchester City FC Team News:
City have no new injury concerns after their midweek exertions, with Micah Richards coming through unscathed after being knocked unconscious against West Ham.
City fans will expect their prodical son Wright Phillips to be making his return debut during the match.
Hughes will be able to recall Vincent Kompany, who was ineligible for the European qualifier, while Richard Dunne is set to make his first league appearance of the season after serving a two-match suspension.
City’s record signing Jo could make his league debut after representing Brazil at the Olympics, although the young striker may not start after looking short of match fitness in midweek.
Kelvin Etuhu (hamstring) is doubtful, while Benjani Mwaruwari, Valeri Bojinov and Darius Vassell remain out.
Player to watch: Shaun Wright Phillips
He will be looking to wow the travelling blue army with his all action display as he terrorizes the Sunderland defence.
Match Facts & Stats
City have only suffered one premiership defeat against Sunderland and that was a soletary goal victory in December 2000 with Don Hutchinson getting the winner.
City and Sunderland have never drawn a premiership match and City have taken more premiership points from the Mackems than any other team.
If City win it will their seventh consecutive victory over the black cats.
Ref Watch:
Chris Foy – referee’d three City games last season. Although not the best referee; he has always been pretty fair with City.
Match Prediction:
With Sunderland having a few players out and City having Kompany and Wright Phillips to call back on I think it will be another three points from the boys from Eastlands. SAFC 0 – 2 MCFC
Next Fixtures:
Chelsea at home on Saturday 13th September with a 5:30pm kick off live on Sultana TV.