Sunderland v Manchester City match preview

Sunderland play host to league leaders Manchester City this afternoon in one of two games being played in the Premier League today, on New Years Day.

City will be hopeful of picking up the mantle and pulling away from the chasing pack again, after seeing their neighbours Manchester United unexpectedly crashing 3 – 2 at Old Trafford to lowly Blackburn Rovers.

The game at the Stadium of Light this afternoon will be the first real big test for new Sunderland manager Martin O’Neill who returned to football management, replacing former boss Steve Bruce back at the beginning for December.

Sunderland have certainly benefited from O’Neil’s appointment and apart from the loss to Spurs, have enjoyed a good run of results, but will be up against it this afternoon when they take on Roberto Mancini’s star studded side.

Sunderland have several injury concerns, with Titus Bramble and Phil Bardley doubtful and subject of late fitness tests.

Whilst Manchester City have a near to full strength squad to choose from, with the only notable absentee being Carlos Tevez.

I can’t see any further shock results this weekend, Man City to win at a canter.

Posted by DaveS on January 1, 2012. Filed under FA Barclays Premiership, Man City, Sunderland. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.