Overview
After a 3-2 injury-time win over Leeds United last weekend, Man City continued to experience another breathless challenge when having to defend against Fulham's fierce counter-attacks in the second half. They ended the match with a dramatic 5-4 victory at Craven Cottage.
The Citizens seemed to have decided the game with a score of 5-1 when the match was just over half an hour away, but the defensive problems that had been revealed since the beginning of the season put them under unnecessary pressure. Fulham rose strongly with 3 consecutive goals to rekindle hope, forcing Man City to rely on Josko Gvardiol's important clearance in the 97th minute to avoid an unbelievable stumble.
On the day Erling Haaland reached the milestone of 100 goals in the Premier League in an impressive way, coach Pep Guardiola admitted that he "had no answer" to the worrying collapse of the home team in the second half. The Spanish coach also warned that if they lose just one match, overthrowing the leader Arsenal in the championship race will become very difficult.
Arsenal could widen the gap to 8 points if they beat Aston Villa in the early match of round 15, before second-placed Man City take on Sunderland. This is the opponent they have defeated in their last seven meetings with a total score of 20-6.
Man City have also won 24 of their last 26 Premier League games against newly promoted sides (D2). They will aim to win their seventh consecutive victory at the Etihad, where they have scored 19 goals this season - the best record in the league.
Unlike Man City, Sunderland were unlucky to visit Craven Cottage and suffered a 0-1 defeat. However, they responded to that stumble in a brave way, earning 4 points from their last 2 Premier League matches against Bournemouth and Liverpool.
After a spectacular comeback from a 2-goal lead to defeat Bournemouth 3-2 at the Light Stadium, the "Black Macro" have come very close to a shocking victory at Anfield. Chemsdine Talbi's goal put them ahead, but Nordi Mukiele's regrettable own goal in the 81st minute ended the match with a score of 1-1.
Coach Regis Le Bris praised the resilient fighting spirit of his players after the match and thanked the fans. He will celebrate his 50th birthday this weekend. Although not expecting a " gift" from Guardiola, the French strategist expects Sunderland to fight with all his might.
Sunderland have not won against Man City since Martin O'Neill in November 2013 (1-0). They have lost 299 of their total 622 Premier League games, and if they lose this weekend, the "Black Meas" will become the ninth team to reach 300 losses in the competition's history.
Personnel situation
Man City will still be without the services of midfielder duo Rodri and Mateo Kovacic. Rodri needs more time to recover his fitness from the hamstring injury he suffered in October, while Kovacic has undergone long-term treatment for an ankle problem.
As for Sunderland, Habib Diarra continues to be absent due to a long-term groin injury. Meanwhile, Dennis Cirkin (hand-carried), Leo Hjelde (achilles leg) and Aji Alese (hand) are still not in the best physical condition to compete. The possibility of this trio being named in the registration list is still open.
Expected lineup:
Man City: Donnarumma, Khusanov, Stones, Gvardiol, O'Reilly, Gonzalez, Reijnders, Cherki, Foden, Doku, Haaland.
Sunderland: Roefs, Hume, Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, reinildo, Xhaka, Sadiki, Talbi, Isidor, Le Fee.
The match between Man City and Sunderland takes place at 22:00 on December 6 (Vietnam time).
