Manchester City: 5 Things To Expect Against Sunderland

What better way to ring in the New Year if you're a Manchester City fan, than to watch a very important clash against Sunderland? 

With across town rivals Manchester United falling today to Blackburn, City have a chance to put a bit of distance between United.  

This game should be considered a must-win for City, given both the opportunity ahead and the side they are facing.  

After a shocking draw with West Brom last week, look for City to bounce back with a fiery performance and reclaim top spot for their own.

Goals, Goals, Goals

After being held goalless for the first time this season last week, look for Manchester City to hit the target early and often.  It has been a while since City has absolutely dominated a team—if there ever were a time for another lopsided match, it would be against Sunderland.  

Goals, and lots of them, should be expected tomorrow at the Stadium of Lights.

Aguero to Shine

Aguero has had some very pleasing performances without reaping rewards in his past few starts.  He is quickly beginning to resemble his countryman and want-away star Carlos Tevez—in terms of work rate and passion on the pitch.

Look for Aguero's hard work to pay off and for him to be a difference maker in this clash.  He is overdue for a goal, but hasn't slowed down at all out there.   

Another Dazzling Performance by Hart

Expecting the spectacular has almost been an afterthought week in and week out.  Joe Hart has preformed magnificently for City over the past two seasons.  Hart has been spectacular of late and looks for this to continue.

Ideally, it would be very nice for Hart to have a slow day, but when called upon, expect nothing but the best from this young English keeper.  

Control the Tempo

After a few wild, scrappy and nail biting finishes against Arsenal and West Brom, look for City to command the play.  If there is one negative to point out thus far this season, it is that Manchester City can get sucked into playing someone else's game.  

The QPR and West Brom matches are both examples of how to disrupt City out of their game.  

Speed and chaos are becoming City's Achilles heel.  City players are roped out of a disciplined approach and play back and forth football with these lesser-skilled opponents.  

For City to have success, they need to stick to their game plan.  Superior skill and ability to control the play will win City this contest.

I hate to say it, but sometimes a boring 1-0 win (that Mancini saw some criticism for last season), is the best way to win a match.

3 Points

Certainly three points should be expected out of tomorrow's fixture—anything less would be considered a loss.  It is not often that United falter: City needs to capitalize on this and create some distance for themselves at the top of the Table.  

A win would erase the two points dropped last week and start City's New Year off in fine fashion.  

Here's to three points clear on top!

Conclusion

City can begin their New Year on a positive note with three points tomorrow.  High expectations are still there for City, and if they are to finish atop the table, they need to worry less about "keeping pace with Manchester United" and just win their games at hand.  

A late Christmas gift was handed earlier today with a Blackburn victory over United. The Citizens have a great opportunity to move ahead tomorrow.

Have your opinions below.

Also check out Manchester City's Holiday Wishlist before this holiday season comes to a close!