Sunderland welcome Manchester City to the Stadium of Light on Thursday night in what looks set to be one of the more intriguing fixtures of the week. Kick off is at 8pm, with both sides coming into the game with plenty on the line.
The two teams met earlier this month at the Etihad, where City ran out comfortable 3-0 winners. This time, Sunderland will hope home advantage can help them turn the tables against one of the league’s top sides.
Manchester City arrive in the north east in excellent form, having won all of their last eight matches in all competitions. Their last dropped points came at the end of November, when they suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Leverkusen in the UEFA Champions League league phase.
In the Premier League, City sit just two points behind leaders Arsenal and will be eyeing the chance to move ahead in the title race. There is also hope within the City camp that Aston Villa can take something from Arsenal at the Emirates, which would make a win here even more valuable.
City suffered a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle at St James’ Park on their last trip to the north east. Sunderland will be keen to replicate their local rivals’ success and make this another uncomfortable away day for City.
City could receive a timely boost as Ballon d’Or hero Rodri pushes to start after returning from injury. He made the bench against Nottingham Forest and is now ready for a bigger role.
His return would be significant. Rodri brings control and balance to City’s midfield, and City may need that edge in what promises to be a high intensity game.
Sunderland have been one of the stories of the season so far. Sitting seventh in the table, they have exceeded expectations and continue to impress with their energy and organisation.
Recent form has been mixed, with one win, three draws and one defeat in their last five matches. However, that single win came against local rivals Newcastle, a result that will have meant everything to the fans and could provide a big confidence boost going into this fixture.
At home, Sunderland have shown they are capable of competing with anyone, and the Stadium of Light is likely to be bouncing on Thursday night.
Historically, this fixture has favoured Manchester City. The reigning champions have enjoyed the majority of recent meetings, with Sunderland’s last victory over City coming back in 2013. That night, a Phil Bardsley goal secured a memorable 1-0 win for the Black Cats.
Since then, City have largely held the bragging rights, but Sunderland will believe history does not matter once the game kicks off.
City will dominate possession and push the tempo, while Sunderland are likely to look to stay compact and strike when opportunities arise. With City chasing the title and Sunderland aiming to continue their impressive season, this has all the ingredients of a fascinating contest.
City will be giving it everything, but Sunderland will be determined to make life difficult and give the home crowd something to shout about.
