The Manchester City vs Sunderland match will be played this Wednesday, February 12, 2014 (11:45 AM Pacific, 19:45 GMT), at the Etihad stadium. Manchester City is currently lying in the 3rd place of Premier league, with a three points minus to the leaders Chelsea. Sunderland is currently 18th, tied with WBA on points.
After the series of victories, which awarded Manuel Pellegrini’s side with a first place in the league, City lost to Chelsea at their home ground, and then managed only a draw with Norwich. So, the Citizens are in a clear crisis, which began with the injuries of Aguero and Fernandinho. City also didn’t manage to score in the last two games, so the available players will look to this match as an opportunity to get back on track.
On the other hand, Sunderland was on a fine streak of four games without a loss, until the last weekend, when Hull City defeated them at their Stadium of Light.
Pellegrini has same concerns for two weeks now – who will feature instead of injured Aguero and Fernandinho? Jovetic didn’t make an impact in his last game, so it is expected that Dzeko and Negredo will start this match. Milner also didn’t put up a memorable display in the match against Norwich, but if Pellegrini thinks that Javi Garcia isn’t ready, maybe he will feature once again. Kolarov and Nastasic could return in starting line-up, instead of Demichelis and Clichy.
Poyet has some problems with unavailable players too, with Westwood, Cuellar, Fletcher injured, and Wes Brown suspended, so the Uruguayan will be ecstatic to somehow snatch a draw from this game.
Manchester City vs Sunderland Prediction
Manchester City sees Sunderland as an ideal rival to finish the bad streak, and they will likely attack from the first minute, as they usually do at the Etihad. Sunderland, on the other hand, will look to survive this game with minimal damage. Therefore, considering all the facts, the prediction is that Manchester City will win this game 2:0.
Manchester City vs Sunderland Television
The match will be televised on Premier League Extra Time (US), for all other countries, check on LiveSoccerTV.