Sunderland vs. Man City: Team News, Predicted Lineups, Live Stream, TV Info
Tuesday sees Manchester City travel to Sunderland in the third round of the Capital One Cup. The two sides last met in the competition in the 2014 final when City won 3-1—providing Manuel Pellegrini with his first major trophy as a manager in Europe.
City will be looking for an improved run this year after their going out at the fourth-round stage last season when they were beaten by a second-string Newcastle United side.
With youngsters such as Kelechi Iheanacho, 18, Patrick Roberts, 18, and Manu Garcia, 17, all looking for first-team chances, Pellegrini knows a decent run will provide him with opportunities to give them much-needed game time.
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Sunderland go into the match in dreadful form. They’re bottom of the Premier League table with just two points from their opening six games but enjoy a decent record against City at the Stadium of Light.
City beat them 4-1 in last season’s league match there, but Sunderland had won the previous four on their own patch against the Blues.
"ICYMI: A blend of youth and experience in first-team training for @SunderlandAFC. Gallery: http://t.co/G40kHIiSHZ pic.twitter.com/64Vq36l5fk
— Manchester City FC (@MCFC) September 21, 2015"
Date: Tuesday, September 22
Kick-off: 7:45 p.m. BST/2:45 p.m. ET
TV Listings: beIN Sports (USA)
Live Stream: beIN Sports Connect (USA)
Form Guide (last five results)
Sunderland
Bournemouth 2-0 Sunderland
Sunderland 0-1 Tottenham
Aston Villa 2-2 Sunderland
Sunderland 6-3 Exeter (League Cup)
Sunderland 1-1 Swansea
Manchester City
City 1-2 West Ham
City 1-2 Juventus (Champions League)
Crystal Palace 0-1 City
City 2-0 Watford
Everton 0-2 City
Predicted Formations
Sunderland
Sunderland will have to do without Younes Kaboul, who is suspended, and Adam Matthews is unavailable due to an ankle injury. John O’Shea returns from illness, though. Right-back DeAndre Yedlin, on loan from Spurs, could make his debut.
Manchester City
David Silva has a calf problem and is unlikely to play, and Eliaquim Mangala, who was taken off at half-time against West Ham on Saturday, is also a doubt. Pellegrini is likely to play some of his most-promising youngsters in order to continue their progression from elite development squad regulars to supplementary first-team players.
Fabian Delph misses out on what would have been near certain start for him, and Gael Clichy and Pablo Zabaleta remain unavailable.
"Watch the lads gear up for @SunderlandAFC in our @CapitalOne_Cup picture special. View now: http://t.co/G40kHIiSHZ pic.twitter.com/wX8fkvOjn5
— Manchester City FC (@MCFC) September 21, 2015"
Players to Watch
Sunderland: Jermain Defoe
Former Portsmouth and Tottenham man Jermain Defoe may be somewhat past his very best, but the 32-year-old remains a goal threat.
He has managed 235 goals in his career—a remarkable tally that underlines his finishing prowess. He's bagged five goals already this season, including a hat-trick in the last round against Exeter.
His movement is still excellent, with his low centre of balance and strong physique making it difficult to knock him off the ball, and the power and accuracy of his shooting remains as good as ever.
Manchester City: Kevin De Bruyne
After his superb display on Saturday against West Ham United, his first start for the club, all eyes will be on Kevin De Bruyne if he is selected on Tuesday night.
The Belgian looked superb against the Hammers, controlling the game from central and wide areas as he drifted around the pitch, demanding the ball and playing perfectly weighted through balls with apparent ease.
His touch was superb, the mark of a naturally gifted talent. He could be a hugely significant signing for City in the coming years. And with Silva currently missing with a calf injury, De Bruyne's importance is increased even further.
Key Battle: John O’Shea vs. Kelechi Iheanacho
It is likely Iheanacho, City’s 18-year-old Nigerian striker, will start the game given his limited opportunities so far this term.
Three cameo appearances are all he has been given so far this season to show what he can do, despite a superb preseason where he impressed in every game. His last-minute winner away at Crystal Palace earlier this month has only increased the desire across City’s fanbase to see him given more of a chance.
He’s intelligent, has quick feet, superb technique and the confidence to try things on the pitch that can light up a game. He seems certain to make a breakthrough at some stage, but given the quality in City’s squad, he will have to be patient for his chance.
John O’Shea, the Sunderland captain, missed the weekend trip to Bournemouth through illness, but he’ll return to the backline for this one.
With Iheanacho’s pace and movement two of his defining attributes, O’Shea, 34, could struggle to contain him. The former Manchester United man has been a superb player for Sunderland, but he perhaps lacks the sharpness he once had. Iheanacho will look to test that, if he is given the chance to play.
Rob Pollard is Bleacher Report's lead Manchester City correspondent and will be following the club from a Manchester base throughout the 2015/16 season. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter @RobPollard.
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