Match Day Thread Manchester City FC v Sunderland AFC - Saturday 6th December 2025 - KO 15:00

I can’t see him resting Xhaka or Sadiki. Could be wrong.

 

I think they’ll play but it’ll be ridiculously worrying

 

Oh I’ll be beside myself. Have to trust the lads, though.

 

Can we trust the referee?

 

Bollox

 

Did I say something funny?

 

I didn't mean he should play, just that he isn't injured anymore

 

Don't think he will rest either Xhaka or Sadiki. It will be a worry but RLB and the lads themselves will want to play. I think Sadiki got away with one that could have been a yellow at Liverpool mind.

Fancy us for a point tomorrow and am currently talking myself down from thinking we could nick a win.

 

I thought Sidiki did a foul against Liverpool that would usually warrant a yellow but he never got one.

 

Aye, should’ve been booked the other night

 

Sunderland Head Coach Régis Le Bris hopes that their midweek draw with Liverpool at Anfield can act as the ideal experience for his team, who are now turning their attentions to their Premier League clash with Manchester City on Saturday.
The Lads head to the Etihad Stadium to take on Pep Guardiola’s formidable side who have been one of the titans of English football in recent history, winning six out of the last eight Premier League titles.
Chemsdine Talbi’s strike in their 1-1 draw with Liverpool held the Premier League champions on their own turf at Anfield on Wednesday evening. In the eyes of the head coach, this can act as the perfect springboard for another mammoth task in the space of three days.
“We are building our confidence through different experiences like our collective knowledge, which is positive,” said Le Bris.
“Manchester City is probably one of the best teams in this league with the ball so we know that the pitch is big and that we’ll face one of the toughest challenges this season.
"Another tough challenge but it's another exciting one, once again.
Régis Le BrisSunderland Head Coach
“This league is like that. You don’t have time to recover. We switch on and we go again. But we are looking forward to playing this game.”
Erling Haaland poses City’s main threat, standing outright as the division’s top scorer with 15 goals to his name.
Discussing the Norwegian, Le Bris added: “He did well against Fulham once again. When he has time and connection in the middle, they are really dangerous in that part of the pitch.
“We’ll prepare so that we are not too exposed in that area.
“It will be different but it’s still important to stay alert. We won’t have the choice, we know how strong Manchester can be.”

Manchester City are mounting a charge for the Premier League title and come into the game with recent form, winning their last six home league games at the Etihad Stadium.
Last time out, City were involved in a frantic game at Craven Cottage against Fulham. After leading the Cottagers 5-1, they came close to surrendering their lead with the game finishing 5-4.
It gave Le Bris food for thought heading into the game. He said: “It showed that Manchester City can concede goals and they have their own weaknesses so it’s like that, trying to manage their strengths and trying to open the opportunities to score. Let’s see if we can get the balance.”
Sunderland picked up no new injury worries ahead of the game from Merseyside. Dennis Cirkin, Habib Diarra and Leo Hjelde all continue to work their way towards full fitness.

 

Pep giving us a fair few compliments in his presser
Rodri is out

 

It won’t be easy

it’s another big effort, but we have the ability to be flexible up top for energy so it’s possible.

feel like we were city’s bogey team in our last prem spell and whilst they’re a threat they can be got at.

I think we’ll do it

 

id be disappointed if they got a yellow but ultimately we have to play who is in front of us.
Would be an awful shame for either to miss Newcastle mind.

 

we go to the 442 out of possession with him alongside the striker