Manchester City have named an unusual lineup for their trip to the Stadium of Light to take on Sunderland.

In a lineup containing three centrebacks, Matija Nastasic, Vincent Kompany and Kolo Toure all start for the Blues. Robeto Mancini sticks with his Sergio Aguero-Carlos Tevez patnership up front, while there is another start for Javi Garcia in midfield. The in-form David Silva also starts in a strong attack for the Citizens.

Sunderland, meanwhile, stick with their usual 4-4-1-1, with Sebastian Larsson lining up in midfield. Craig Gardner also continues in his role at centre-back for the Black Cats, and Steven Fletcher and Stephane Sessegnon continue their partnership up front.

Sunderland (4-4-1-1): Simon Mignolet; Carlos Cuellar, Matthew Kilgallon, Craig Gardner, Danny Rose; Adam Johnson, Jack Colback, Sebastian Larsson James McClean; Stephane Sessegnon; Steven Fletcher

Manchester City (3-5-2): Joe Hart; Matija Nastasic,Vincent Kompany (c), Kolo Toure; Pablo Zabaleta, Javi Garcia, Yaya Toure, David Silva, James Milner; Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez.