Manchester City v Sunderland Preview and Live

Match Preview: Manchester City v Sunderland

Manchester City will face Sunderland in a Barclays Premier League fixture on Saturday at the Etihad stadium. The result of the match will play a key role in the title race between City and local rivals Manchester United.

City will enter the pitch with just one objective – to get the three points and come level in the points tally with United at least till the Red Devils visit Blackburn on Monday night. And the Blues would be looking to further extend their unbeaten record at home this season.

City managed just a 1-1 draw against Stoke City in their last game which took Manchester United three points clear on the top of the points table. Prior to their 2-1 win against Chelsea, Swansea shocked them in a 1-0 defeat.

City will have to win the game against the Black Cats if they are to stay as strong contenders for the Premier League title, which has just eight rounds of fixtures left to play now.

Manager Roberto Mancini will welcome back skipper Vincent Kompany from an injury lay-off, while former captain and controversial Argentine striker Carlos Tevez is expected to start in this match after impressing in the win against Chelsea.

For Sunderland, manager Martin O’Neill will be trying to find a way to get back on the winning track after Merseyside club Everton eliminated them from the FA Cup in the quarterfinal replay match at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland’s form in the Premier League has been good off late. Leaving aside the 2-0 loss to Blackburn, they have managed a 3-1 clinical victory over Queen Park Rangers and have handed Kenny Dalglish’s Liverpool a 1-0 defeat.

Looking at City’s form at the Etihad stadium this season, the possibility of a Sunderland win looks distant. City are in pole position to win the game but may end up with another frustrating draw if they fail to focus.