Sunderland under-23s host Manchester City at the Stadium of Light this Sunday, keen to extend their stay at the top of the Premier League 2.
Ahead of the match safc.com has put together an all you need to know guide...
Fixture: Sunderland U23 v Manchester City U23
Location: Stadium of Light
Date and kick-off: Sunday 18 September, KO 12pm
Competition: Premier League 2
How they line-up: Manchester City
League position: 5th
League wins: 2
League defeats: 1
League goals scored: 7
League goals conceded: 6
Form guide in all competitions: W-W-L-D
Spotlight: Manchester City under-23s coach Simon Davies
Born in Cheshire, Simon Davies was handed the role as development coach at Manchester City ahead of the 2016-17 Premier League 2 campaign.
The one time Macclesfield Town and Bangor City player retired from football in 2007 before taking charge of Chester City in 2008. Davies then joined Man City in 2013 as assistant under-23s coach before being named head development coach over the summer.
Key battle: Robson v Kongolo
Under-23 Premier League player of the month Ethan Robson has enjoyed a fantastic start to the season. Following in the footsteps of Duncan Watmore, Lynden Gooch and Rees Greenwood to be awarded the accolade, Robson is a tiresome midfielder. Having netted an impressive free-kick at Leicester City last month, Robson has gone from strength to strength and has continued to excel in his defensive duties as well as the attacking areas.
Rodney Kongolo swapped Rotterdam for Manchester when he joined City from Feyenoord in 2014. The 18-year-old has been likened to former EDS boss Patrick Vieira in style because the Dutchman impressed in pre-season in both a box-to-box role and in a more defensive position.
This match up (providing they both feature) will be key as both players have a huge influence both the attacking and defensive side of their teams play.
Ticket info
Entry to the game is free for SAFC season card holders on production of their valid 2016-17 season card. Entry for non-season card holders is priced at £3 for adults and £1 for over 65s and under 16s, available via cash sales on the day of the game.Turnstiles 1-8 and 17-24 will open from 11am.
All tickets are sold subject to ground regulations.
