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Manchester City face a potentially tricky encounter as they host Sunderland, who have not been defeated in the Premier League this season, at the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City face a tough test at home to Sunderland as Roberto Mancini aims to arrest his side's recent indifferent form.
The Blues struggled to a 1-1 draw against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday, and will have to face up to the as-yet undefeated Black Cats in an early kick-off which gives them little time to recuperate. In addition, Sunderland have been something of a bogey team for City in recent seasons, with the Citizens only managing one win against them in their last five encounters.
Steven Fletcher is undoubtedly the dangerman for the away side, having scored all five of Sunderland's goals this season since joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers. Manchester City will have their usual array of attacking talent available, and could opt to rotate their strikers, with Carlos Tevez and Mario Balotelli likely on the teamsheet after Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko started on Wednesday.
Manchester City injuries and suspensions
Out: Maicon (heel), Micah Richards (ankle). In doubt: Javi Garcia (hamstring), Yaya Toure.
Sunderland injuries and suspensions
Out: Lee Cattermole (suspension), Phil Bardsley (ankle), Wes Brown (knee). In doubt: Carlos Cuellar.
Manchester City will have to continue with Pablo Zabaleta at right-back in the absence of Maicon and Micah Richards, while Javi Garcia and Yaya Toure both picked up knocks in the midweek fixture against Dortmund, which could also leave Mancini light on midfield options. Joleon Lescott could return in central defence, while Jack Rodwell should be fit to start the game.
Sunderland will be without Lee Cattermole as he serves the second game of his three-match suspension, and are also understaffed in defence with Phil Bardsley and Wes Brown unavailable and Carlos Cuellar facing a late fitness test to determine whether he is ready to return from injury.
Match Date/Time: 12:45 p.m. local, 7:45 a.m. ET
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England
TV: Watch ESPN, ESPN Deportes, ESPN2 (U.S.), Sky Sports 2/HD, Sky Sports 3D (U.K.), TSN (Canada)
Online: ESPN3
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