However, as this game is being played at the Stadium of Light, we can expect Sunderland to give Manchester City a real run for all their money.
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The visitors are missing the likes of Eliaquim Mangala and Samir Nasri (hamstring), Vincent Kompany and Samir Nasri (calf), as well as Kevin De Bruyne, who is out for 10 weeks after injuring his knee in City’s Capital One Cup semi-final win over Everton last week.
But Pellegrini’s “in it to win it” obsession has come at a price, according to Allarydce.
“I told Bacary (Sagna) to tell Kelechi to shoot the penalty because he was in charge of them today”, Pellegrini said.
Sam Allardyce’s side drew 1-1 with AFC Bournemouth last time out in the Premier League, a result which left them four points off safety with 15 matches to play.
“But Manuel chooses to go for it in every competition. We’re playing so many important games that I think we needed to rotate the squad”. “I’d like to be Manuel Pellegrini rather than Sam Allardyce for the rest of the season”.
However, given that his departure would depend on another arrival, it seems the Sunderland boss is determined to keep that element of squad depth as he looks to rescue the club from relegation from the Premier League between now and the end of the season. This team has a bit of talent and experience with the likes of Jerome Defoe but he is well passed his best and I think that they will be outplayed here.
Former Lorient defender Kone and midfielder Khazri, who joined the club in a £9m million move from Bordeaux over the weekend, have both received worldwide clearance and could be involved, along with striker Dame N’Doye, who is yet to make his debut after sealing his loan switch earlier this month.
“We like seeing teams win something but as soon as they do, we all want them to fail because we are jealous – particularly in Britain”.
He admits he had expected the Black Cats to have pulled away from the foot of the table by now.
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The France worldwide is eagerly anticipating the League Cup final, the return of the Champions League and the usual grill of Premier League games in the month ahead as he strives to help City bring more silverware to Etihad Stadium.
