Media mash-up continues as a batch of local reporters preview Sunderland’s latest fixture providing insight, analysis and opinion.
Next up, Nick Barnes, James Hunter and Richard Mennear preview the Lads’ crunch-match against Manchester City, as Pep Guardiola comes to town.
Richard Mennear (@RichMennearJP) – Sunderland Echo
It doesn't get any easier for Sunderland this weekend with Manchester City the visitors to the Stadium of Light. But there are reasons to be optimistic heading into the game. First of all, City may be able to boast the likes of Sergio Aguero, Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling in their attack but defensively they are far from convincing. Sunderland will have to be patient but the City defence has shown it can be fragile and Jermain Defoe will get opportunities - and you'd bank on him to take at least one. Keeping them out at the other end will be the problem. For large periods of the game against Everton the Sunderland defence looked far more organised, resolute and compact than they did in the previous encounter with Southampton. Clearly keeping Aguero quiet is key, restricting his space is vital to nullifying his threat but the defence also needs more protection from the midfield if Sunderland are to get anything out of the game. It is all set up for a mouth-watering afternoon of Premier League action. And don't bet against the Black Cats causing an upset.
Nick Barnes (@Tweed_Barnesy) – BBC Radio Newcastle
Manchester City once again signalled their intent to win silverware this season with their emphatic victory over Huddersfield Town and by fielding a full strength team on Wednesday night. With that and the Champions League on the horizon Sunderland will be hoping their focus is elsewhere. Without question if Manchester City are themselves focused and at full strength on Sunday afternoon Sunderland will have their work cut out but if City are less than 100% on the ball then that's when Sunderland have to take advantage. With matches running out Sunderland have to capitalise on every opportunity presented and Manchester City is the next. Huddersfield proved they are vulnerable with Harry Bunn's goal. Sunderland have to take their chance or chances on Sunday and if they can score first they will have to show their defensive mettle. Jason Denayer will of course not be available to David Moyes again - but this week through ineligibility, and that may colour Moyes’ choice of tactic at the back and a flat back four may again be chosen even though Papy Djilibodji is available again following his suspension. It will be tough but take heart from Fabio Borini who this week said Manchester City ‘don't like coming here’. Let's hope Sunderland can rubber-stamp that.
James Hunter (@JHunterChron) – The Chronicle
After an impressive win at Crystal Palace at the beginning of February, back-to-back defeats have left Sunderland in desperate need of another lift. And while only the most optimistic fan would expect a win against title hopefuls Man City on Sunday, the Black Cats must use this as an opportunity to get the supporters back on-side. Sunderland have already proved they are capable of raising their game against the elite sides, having already secured points against Liverpool and Spurs at the Stadium of Light since the turn of the year. And they will need another much-improved performance if they are to avoid defeat against City. First and foremost, they cannot afford to give away the kind of soft goals they have conceded in the last two games. And they must also find a way to create more chances for Jermain Defoe, who has been starved of service recently. Pep Guardiola's side will be overwhelming favourites, but Sunderland have proved in the past that City cannot take anything for granted in Wearside.
The views expressed within this article are the views of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of Sunderland AFC.