Sunderland are back on Wearside this weekend as Manchester City come to town for Super Sunday action (KO 4pm).
The Black Cats need a lift following back-to-back defeats in the Premier League, but City will also be firmly focussed on three points following a three-week break from top-flight action.
Pep Guardiola’s side were in scintillating attacking form last week as they overcame Monaco to seal a 5-3 win, and they matched their European exploits with a similarly potent display on Wednesday as Huddersfield Town were dispatched in an Emirates FA Cup replay.
In the Premier League, City are currently on a four-game winning run with their last defeat coming in January when Everton romped to a 4-0 win.
The Toffees were direct and put the City defence under immense pressure, with Ronald Koeman’s side creating a blueprint for success – as discussed in safc.com’s new feature, Talking Tactics.
Sunderland, meanwhile, succumbed to a similar fate at Goodison Park in their last outing, with Idrissa Gueye and Romelu Lukaku on target as Moyes’ Merseyside return ended in defeat.
And their last Stadium of Light showdown was equally frustrating, as Southampton ran riot thanks to a Manolo Gabbiadini masterclass.
A response is needed.
Papy Djilobodji could return following a four-match ban but Jan Kirchhoff is unlikely to be included within the matchday squad despite a return to training in recent weeks.
Lee Cattermole, Paddy McNair, Duncan Watmore and Victor Anichebe remain in the treatment room, and the Black Cats will also be without Jason Denayer against the Belgian’s parent club.
Jack Rodwell could be involved, but Steven Pienaar won’t be risked.
Meanwhile, Aleksandar Kolarov is fit to face the Black Cats and Vincent Kompany is in contention, but Ilkay Gundogan and Gabriel Jesus will miss out.
The last meeting between the sides came on the opening day as a late Paddy McNair own goal clinched a narrow win for the Citizens, but, as has so often been the case, Sunderland might just have a trick up their sleeve when it comes to facing the title chasers on Wearside.
OTHER INFO
Ticket information for Sunday’s game is available by clicking here.
If you can’t make the game, then don’t fear because we have every base covered with extensive coverage on safc.com and on Twitter by following @SunderlandAFC.
Nick Barnes and Gary Bennett will also be ON AIR from 3.50pm.