Manchester City vs. Sunderland: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info and Preview
Defending Premier League champions Manchester City will try to return to their winning ways on New Year's Day when they take on Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium, looking to bounce back from a disappointing draw against Burnley.
The Black Cats aren't enjoying the greatest of seasons and sit just four points above the relegation zone. On paper, the hosts should walk away with an easy win. However, the Citizens have been plagued by injury in recent weeks, and the draw with Burnley highlighted Manuel Pellegrini's squad may be more flawed than expected.
A big result against Sunderland is needed to boost confidence and show the fans the match against Burnley was a fluke, so expect City to come out guns blazing on New Year's Day.
TOP NEWS
Madrid Fines Players $590K 😲
'Mbappé Out' Petition Gaining Steam 😳
Star-Studded World Cup Ad 🤩
Date: January 1
Time: 3 p.m. GMT/10 a.m. ET
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
TV info and live stream: The match will be broadcast on BT Sport 1 (for UK viewers) and NBCSN's Extra Time (for U.S. viewers), with mobile coverage available via the BT Sport app and NBC's Live Extra.
Preview
Injuries often have a big impact on matches at this time of the season, with the holiday period serving up two or even three matches per week for every club.
While Sunderland are slowly getting healthy again, the Citizens continue to be without several key contributors.
According to Goal, star midfielder Yaya Toure could be the latest in a long line of influential players limited by injury or not appearing in Thursday's fixture at all:
The Ivorian has been playing lights out in December after a difficult start to the season, and losing him would be a big blow for Pellegrini's troops, who will likely already be without captain Vincent Kompany.
The Belgium international has missed several matches with a calf injury, and Pellegrini isn't sure whether he'll be back in time, via PhysioRoom.com:
Meanwhile, Seb Larsson could be making his return for the Black Cats, according to manager Gus Poyet (via the club's official Twitter feed):
The 29-year-old Swede has been one of Sunderland's most consistent players, orchestrating play from the centre of the pitch. With a hobbled Toure—or the Ivorian not playing at all—he could be in line for another big match, taking advantage of the spaces that are bound to open up.
City are still without star strikers Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko and will likely once again play James Milner up front while relying on the movement and individual brilliance of David Silva.
The Spain international has been pivotal in sustaining the squad's strong run after Aguero and Dzeko went down with injuries, and with Samir Nasri also starting to hit his stride, the Citizens' top danger men will once again be the ones making darting runs into the box.
That's where they'll likely meet former teammate Costel Pantilimon, and the Romanian is understandably looking forward to this fixture, per the club's official Twitter feed:
Sunderland would love to start the new year on a winning note. However, regardless of injuries, City have to be the favourites going into the match at the Etihad.
Silva has been in scorching form the past few weeks. The defence has looked solid, barring the collapse against Burnley. Unless the visitors play the perfect match, expect City to walk away with a close but deserved win.
Final prediction: Manchester City 2-0 Sunderland
