Sunday 5th March 16:00, Sunderland host Manchester City at the Stadium of Light Last time out Sunderland lost 2-0 away to Everton and Manchester City beat Huddersfield Town 5-1 in the FA Cup replay. David Moyes is desperate for points as his side scrap for survival, but the Wearsiders will face a tough test as they go head-to-head with a side brimming with self-belief. On the opening day of the season, Guardiola ensured he started his Premier League career with a win as a late Paddy McNair own goal downed the Black Cats. Speaking ahead of Sunday’s match-up, the Spaniard urged his side to push on and do what many of their rivals couldn’t – win at the Stadium of Light. David Moyes: "Jan Kirchhoff is doing okay but he's been out for a while. I wouldn't expect him to play this weekend but he's getting closer." "Jack Rodwell has been in and out but the rest probably won't be available for this game." "We've been fighting and we're in with a few teams. What we're trying to do is build, but first and foremost stay in the PL." "The players are doing everything they can - in training and in games - to stay in the PL. If they keep doing that we'll have a great chance. "You have to have 2/3 different game plans because Man City can play in many ways with many different players." "Against Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur we played well and we have to do that again." "We're desperate to get 3 points. We have to make sure we're solid & don't concede, but we also have to make sure we score goals." Pep Guardiola: “During the season, we have had some good moments, some not so good,” said Guardiola. “We are in a good moment now but we have to repeat it in every single game again and again. “It’s far away from the first game in the Premier League,” continued Guardiola. “It’s a New game – Tottenham and Liverpool were not able to win in Sunderland. “Every game will be a final, not just for the title contenders, but for the teams playing for Champions League qualification, Europa League, relegation. “Every game will be tough until the end of the season.” Sunderland have lost each of their last five Premier League matches against Manchester City since a 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium in April 2014. Of Premier League teams Manchester City have played 25 or more times, they have the best win percentage against Sunderland (68%, 17 wins from 25 matches). Between 2010 and 2013, the Black Cats beat City 1-0 four times in a row in league games at the Stadium of Light. Lawro's Prediction: 0:2 David Gower’s Prediction 0:3 Merson's Prediction: 1:3 Referee: Martin Atkinson Assistants: S Child, A Holmes Fourth official: P Tierney Team Lineups: Sunderland Subs from Mannone, Lescott, Love, Honeyman, Gibson, Gooch, Borini Injured Anichebe (Knee Apr), Cattermole (Achilles Mar/Apr), Kirchhoff (Knee, Mar/Apr), Pienaar (Calf, Mar), Watmore (knee, Oct), McNair (knee, Aug) Suspended None Unavailable Denayer (Loan) Form LLDWLL Leading scorer Defoe 14 Manchester City Expected team Bravo, Zabaleta, Stones, Otamendi, Clichy, Silva, Sterling, De Bruyne, Fernandinho, Sané, Agüero Subs Caballero, Sagna, Fernando, Jesús Navas, Delph, Garcia, Iheanacho, Kompany, Kolarov Injured Jesus (Metatarsal, Apr), Gundogan (Hip, Apr) Suspended None Form LWWDWW Leading scorer Aguero 11 Key Men: Jermain Defoe please log in to view this image Jermain Defoe has scored eight Premier League goals against Man City – only versus Wigan Athletic (10) has he netted more. Sergio Aguero please log in to view this image Sergio Aguero has four goals and two assists in his last four Premier League appearances against the Black Cats. Betting: Sunderland 8/1 Manchester City 3/10 Draw 9/2 My two pence... All the pundits think that Man City just need to turn up and Sunderland will roll over, So… I am going for a 1-0 home win. Ha'way The Lads
Nice one RTB, and I'll second that motion for a 1-0 home win, the season really starts on Sunday, bring it on.
At least Jesus isn't playing for them, while he was walking on water a shark bit his metatarsal. Speaking of injuries, we've not as many as we have had so that's good. There are still key players out (any news on Anichebe?) but the squad is looking a bit healthier. Injuries or no injuries I'm going into this game expecting a pummelling, City's speedy midgets will be the stuff of nightmares for our defence.
This is exactly the type of game we pull off a shock result. We owe them a 1-0 so I'd love that but think it will be a bit of a drab affair, 0-0 or 1-1. I'll take that.
Cheers - I missed a few off the injury list, Anichebe is out until April. Pienaar has a calf strain and Rodwell is recovering from a Ham string strain but might play.
All of a sudden we're cut 6 points from safety with a far inferior goal difference. We need something from tomorrow IMO.
If we get smashed 4 or 5 tomorrow what do people think? Especially after today's results, do you almost accept relegation or roll the dice? Thoughts?
Another great match day thread by RTB. I've gone for a home win by my enigmatic team - why ? because it's a totally unexpected result. HOPEFULLY we have a bit of the scarce "lower team good luck" - it's floating around this weekend. Rodwell to get the v unlikely winner
