The Citizens suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of rivals Arsenal last time out and will be looking to bounce back when they face Sunderland on Saturday. Man City enjoyed more possession, but the Gunners were more clinical. Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud struck for the North London side in the first half and Yaya Toure pulled one back for the Sky Blues, but City failed to gather any points from the match.
Manuel Pellegrini is now expecting improved performances with key players returning to the side. Captain Vincent Kompany is expected to feature during the Boxing Day fixture with right back Pablo Zabaleta also expected to return alongside midfielder Fernando.
Injuries have restricted Kompany to just eight league appearances this season which has notably had an adverse effect on his side. Of the eight matches the Belgian international has played part in, the Citizens have won six and drawn two conceding just a single goal.
"The injury situation is better. Vincent Kompany, Pablo Zabaleta and Fernando are all fit and training normally," Pellegrini said..jpg?q=75&w=634)
"We'll see the starting XI on Saturday - I have not decided on the team for the game yet. Only Samir Nasri is not fit."
The Chilean tactician further highlighted the importance of his captain but insisted that his team must not be over reliant on the star players.
"You are always missing good players – he's the captain here and if he doesn't play it's an important player we don't have in our squad," Pellegrini added.
"One of the most important things of this team is to be in the all competitions, not just depending on one player.
"After Saturday, especially with David, with Kun [Aguero], with Vincent, with Pablo - we have to see how they recover between games. I have not decided my team yet."
Sunderland on the other hand are currently second from the bottom and would be looking to pull off an upset at the expense of City. The Black cats will be unable to make use of the services of Sebastian Larsson who has been ruled out with a knee injury as well as Jack Rodwell who is suspended for the match. Lee Cattermole is also doubtful for the match with a back problem.
Which channel is broadcasting Manchester City vs Sunderland on TV or Online?
- In USA at 10:00 EST: on Directv, Westwood One Sports, NBCSN, NBC Sports Live Extra
- In Canada at 10:00 EST: on TSN3
Fans in Australia can watch the match live on Fox Sports 2 Australia whereas those in the African countries can follow the action on SuperSport 6 Africa. The match can also be internationally followed on TalkSport Radio World. For a comprehensive view of global broadcast listings, visit the Manchester City vs Sunderland match page.
*NOTE: Live broadcast data is subject to change.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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