Game Week 19 Predictions: Manchester City to beat Sunderland

Premier League preview: Sunderland vs Man City at Stadium of Light – City chase Arsenal lead, Sunderland top-six push; verdict City win.

It's a fixture of huge significance to the top of the log where City must win to move closer to the Gunners, will this be the case at the Stadium of Light? (Photo credit: Sporty Trader)

 Sunderland vs Manchester City

Stadium of Light

9:00pm

Pep Guardiola and his citizens will kick off at the Stadium of Light on New Year’s Day knowing only a win will get them closer to the Gunners after the latter picked up an impressive win at home against Aston Villa on Tuesday.

A win also steers Manchester City clear of Aston Villa, who were only one point behind the Cityzens before they went to the Emirates. A four-point cushion over Villa and two behind Arsenal keeps things interesting for Manchester City and the neutrals.

Sunderland is probably the neutrals’ best team. Ask anyone; their signing of the season is probably Granit Xhaka, and their manager of the season so far would be Regis Le Bris, who has steered Sunderland to the top six, and a win for them here could see them right above Chelsea and Manchester United.

It’s been a rollercoaster of a season. One win can see you climb so high, and a defeat can send you spiralling down. You don’t want to be at the wrong end at this stage, so both sides must go for it as best as they can to avoid unnecessary struggles.

There’s no news in Manchester City beating Sunderland, but it will make headlines if the Black Cats somehow earn something from this game. It’s going to be tough considering the quality of players in the visitors’ rank; however, Sunderland aren’t here to do easy things.

The first leg went City’s way at the Etihad as expected; this one is not likely to be different, but how can Sunderland hurt their visitors? They’re a disciplined side, more of a system side with each player coming to do the job, but they’ve been depleted by AFCON and injuries. Can they cope with City’s firepower?

Dan Ballard is ruled out, but Regis Le Bris has confirmed it won’t be for long. The likes of Reinildo, Bertrand Traore, Chemsdine Talbi, Habib Diarra, Arthur Masuaku and Noah Sadiki are all away at AFCON; you wonder what is left of the depth for the Black Cats.

Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Rodri and Jeremy Doku are both available for selection, and he reports no new injury concerns, which means the Spaniard has a healthy squad to prosecute this game. You expect City to continue their winning streak here.

Sunderland must stay compact. They won’t see lots of the ball, but with discipline, they can frustrate the former champions. Brobbey must take his chances if he gets any, unlike how wasteful he was against Leeds United. You already know what to expect from Manchester City’s number 9 and Phil Foden.

Verdict: Manchester City to win.