Premier League Preview – Sunderland v Man City

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Sunderland v Man City – Premier League Preview and Betting Tips

 

It would be fair to say that, not for the first time this season, Manchester City’s win over Reading was more successful in result than performance terms. However, it was still a good weekend for last season’s champions, as the gap at the top between themselves and rivals Manchester United was cut to four points. City are in need of an excellent Christmas and New Year period, as shortly after its cessation they will lose the Toure brothers to African Nations Cup duty, with Yaya in particular considered a rather large loss. It is imperative, therefore, that City do not fall further behind United at this stage of the season, and if possible close the gap further.

 

Sunderland’s underwhelming season has improved in recent weeks, with the Teesside club having picked up a couple of precious wins and given a reasonable account of themselves at Old Trafford. There have been signs over these fixtures of an improved midfield, with more chances being created, and the team has also picked up two valuable clean sheets. However, their home form overall is still pretty unremarkable, and one feels that City would regard this as points dropped should they come away with anything other than a win.

 

This was precisely how they regarded the game last season, when a game that they dominated was won by the home side in injury time to send City back to Manchester pointless. The away side will desperately want to avoid a repeat of such a result, particularly as last weekend’s late winner coupled with United’s draw in Wales has given City’s title challenge some newfound impetus.

 

It’s always difficult to second guess Roberto Mancini with regards to team selection, not least because he has many options at his disposal. However, Vincent Kompany could return at the back having made the bench for the win over Reading. Should Kompany be recalled he could be partnered by Matija Nastasić who has generally been the favoured central defensive choice of Mancini in recent weeks, although Kolo Toure has recently earned a recall. Joleon Lescott looks to be out of favour. City could rotate any number of their midfielders or forwards, with Edin Dzeko in particular a possible selection in what could be a physical encounter. However, key players Yaya Toure, David Silva and Sergio Aguero are likely to start.

 

Sunderland have kept a pretty settled side throughout their bleak Autumnal form, and they’re highly unlikely to make any changes to the side that beat Southampton by a single goal unless forced by injury or illness.

 

Sunderland (possible 4-4-1-1): Mignolet; Gardner, Cuellar, O’Shea, Rose; Johnson, Larsson, Colback, McLean; Sessegnon; Fletcher

 

Manchester City (possible 4-2-3-1): Hart; Zabaleta, Nastasic, Kompany, Clichy; Y. Toure, Barry; Silva, Nasri, Aguero; Dzeko

 

Betting Prediction: Expect a very tight game with Sunderland sitting deep akin to Reading and trying to frustrate the away side, who will enjoy long spells of possession. I would strongly tip the under 2.5 goals option in the under / over 2.5 market for this fixture

 

 

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