Analysis:

Both sides are coming in to this match on the back of impressive wins and will want to carry on the momentum as they face each other with Sunderland hammering Bolton 4-0 on Tuesday to end a dreadful run of 14 Premier League games without a win. Manchester City on the other hand surprised many when they took out Chelsea 4-2 and at Stamford Bridge even!

Before Sunderland's big win they barren run of 14 games without a win saw them slipped from 8th to 16th in the standings and just three places off the relegation place. However that big win saw them jumped back up to 13th and eased relegation fears on Wearside. In that 4-0 win, Darren Bent was the hero as he scored a hattrick and brought his total goals for the season to 18 league goals.

It must be stated that while a win for Sunderland was expected against a struggling Bolton side, nobody could have foreseen the shocking manner in which Roberto Mancini's Manchester City disposed of Chelsea winning 4-2 and at Stamford Bridge even, ending their proud home unbeaten record. For the record, Chelsea's last league defeat at Stamford Bridge was in November 2008.

That win by Manchester City at Stamford Bridge was the first in 17 years and their first league double against the Blues since 1957!

Roberto Mancini now knows that it has given their Champions League hopes a reality and with Liverpool losing against Wigan on Monday, it has futher helped their cause. Despite Tottenham being in 52 points now, Manchester City can go above them as they have a game in hand provided they win both their games.

Their head to head meetings is good for Manchester City as they have won their last nine games against the Black Cats and will hope to make it ten today. City have to be wary of Aston Villa as they are also a game in hand and three points behind them.

As for the team news, Sunderland's manager Steve Bruce will be forced to make changes after skipper Lorik Cana begins a two-match ban for picking up his 10th yellow card of the season against Bolton. Lee Cattermole is also another casualty after he came off the bench and aggravated his hamstring injury. Should he make the squad then Bruce will have to choose between Bolo Zenden and Kieran Richardson to partner him in the side.

Definitely out oif the side will be Jordan Henderson (ankle) and Andy Reid (hamstring).

As for Manchester City they will be without striker Emmanuel Adebayor as he has three games to serve after his sending off. But Patrick Vieira is available again after serving his three-match ban so Roberto Mancini may bring back the French star into midfield. Martin Petrov remains out injured however. But Defender Kolo Toure is pushing for a start after being on the bench against Chelsea.

Winger Shaun Wright-Phillips could be given a chance after an impressive substitute appearance for England in midweek scoring one and setting up the other. Paraguay striker Roque Santa Cruz is pushing for a recall after also claiming a goal and an assist in midweek, although 21-goal Carlos Tevez and Craig Bellamy are likely to be given top spot following their double goals against Chelsea.

Take Manchester City to get the win here.

Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser

The Statistics :

The Pick :

Manchester City 1-0 or 2-1

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Manchester City to win here.

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take Manchester City and give the 1/4 ball away here.