Manchester City have spent all season in the title hunt, but they got knocked down a peg in a bad way when they lost to direct rival Arsenal last week. They’ll be eager to fight their way back into a closer race, as sitting six points out of first place is not anywhere near where they want to be right now.
Manchester City vs. Sunderland 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
After getting knocked further from first place last week, Manchester City are hoping to claw back into the race again.
Michael Steele/Getty Images
Perhaps it’s fortunate, then, that they’ll be playing Sunderland, the second-worst team in the Premier League right now. They had been threatening to bounce back in November, winning two in a row after losing 6-of-8 in the league, but they’ve since lost three in a row, including getting buzzsawed by Chelsea last weekend. Things are looking pretty dire on Wearside, but a big upset over City would be a fantastic way to buoy confidence.
Key player -- Sergio Agüero (Manchester City)
Agüero wasn’t quite up to his usual mojo against Arsenal on Monday, but as it was his first match back after almost a month out with injury, it could be forgiven. Sunderland will give him a good chance to get back on his feet in a more meaningful way, though, as his skill set represents a huge matchup nightmare for the entire Sunderland defense. Don’t be surprised if Kun runs wild in this one.
Key matchup -- Jesus Navas (Manchester City) vs. Patrick van Aanholt (Sunderland)
Navas and his ability to stretch a defense will be huge for City in this match, especially given Sunderland’s relatively slow-footed defense and especially on the left side that he’ll be running at. Van Aanholt is going to have his hands full, and he’s going to be sternly tested to keep Navas from getting behind him to toss balls into the box for Sergio Agüero
Manchester City injuries and suspensions
Out: Samir Nasri In doubt: Vincent Kompany, Pablo Zabaleta, Fernando Reges
Sunderland injuries and suspensions
Out: Sebastian Larsson In doubt: Lee Cattermole
This was originally a TV game in the United States, but will now only be available online and to those with access to Extra Time after a late change.
Match Date/Time: Sat., 10 a.m. ET, 3 p.m. local
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England
TV: TSN3 (Canada)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (US), TSN (Canada)
See More:
