Sunderland vs. Manchester City: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info and Preview
After Chelsea's slip at Sunderland over the weekend, Manchester City now travel to the north-east to face the Black Cats and attempt to continue their recent strong form.
The Sky Blues have only dropped two points from their past four games, per PremierLeague.com—with Sergio Aguero at his world-class best in front of goal.
Gus Poyet's team have slowly improved over the course of his tenure since taking charge in 2013 and are currently unbeaten in their past four matches.
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Poyet will feel his side are capable of finishing mid-table this term, but his most important battles will not be against the likes of City.
Here is how you can watch this exciting Premier League game, with kickoff and stream information:
When: Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 7:45 p.m. GMT/2:45 p.m. ET
Where: Stadium of Light, Sunderland, England
TV Info: Live on NBC (US only)
Live Stream: NBC Sports Live Extra (US only)
Sergio Aguero The Best Striker In The World?
There is little debate that Sergio Aguero is one of the most lethal strikers on the planet but in the past few months the player has stepped up a gear.
And as Luis Suarez was proclaimed by many as the world's best just a few short months ago—Aguero is now starting to make his own personal claim for that specific crown.
The World Cup was not a good platform for the Argentine, after a succession of injuries in 2013-14 stunted his game-time and contribution.
But whenever he was on the pitch it was clear that the player was maturing into a fantastic vintage.
Aguero's record this season is phenomenal, and he has taken charge of Manchester City's challenge to retain the league title.
In his 18 Premier League and Champions League appearances, the player has found the net on 17 occasions—per WhoScored.com—terrorising virtually every defence he has come up against.
Despite Sunderland's impressive efforts to keep Chelsea goalless in their recent contest, they will have to be at their very best to stop Aguero grabbing the points for his team.
The striker won the Player of the Year award given by the Football Supporters' Federation on Monday, reported by Dave Wood of the Mail Online.
The club's official Twitter feed also celebrated Aguero winning the prestigious award, picturing him with the trophy for his achievement:
But Gus Poyet believes Chelsea's Diego Costa has the edge over Aguero—a player his side managed to handle in their last match.
Paul Handler of The Manchester Evening News quoted the Black Cats boss comparing the two strikers, saying Costa is more of a predatory talent:
"They are very different players, though. Diego Costa will find a way—any way—while Aguero has to be more on his game. Man City need to provide more for Aguero, while Costa doesn’t need anything—just one long ball, and he is away.
"
Poyet's assessment might be fair but Aguero has shown during this campaign he is in the elite band of world-class strikers plying their trade in Europe.
If the Argentina international has his shooting boots on Wednesday night John O'Shea and company will struggle to keep up with his electric pace.
Match Preview
Manchester City will be without their hugely influential captain Vincent Kompany against Sunderland, after the defender pulled up with a hamstring injury against Southampton.
Sky Sports report that City boss Manuel Pellegrini confirmed the centre-back's absence and the player will need to be assessed before a return date can be announced.
City will also be without big summer signing and Kompany's partner, Eliaquim Mangala—who received his marching orders for two yellow cards against Ronald Koeman's Saints.
This leaves the champions short at the back and their form has previously dropped when Kompany has not been in control of proceedings.
But despite the hurdles, City looked very impressive in their match at Southampton, as highlighted by former player and pundit, Didi Hamann:
City's general form should see them through this game but Sunderland proved against Chelsea they will not be an easy opponent for the Etihad side.
Aguero is the key to victory here, and his fitness will have to remain if City want to catch the west London runaway leaders.
Poyet will feel his side are a match for any team at the Stadium of Light and their recent plan to restrict Diego Costa worked—and surely they will focus on Aguero in the same manner.
But with the Christmas period almost upon us, Pellegrini's men are starting to move through the gears and anything but a win in the north-east will be a huge surprise and shock.
