On a weekenman city crest.pngd when Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Blackburn Rovers all drew Manchester City manager Sven Goran Eriksson will see tonight's home clash with the struggling Sunderland as the perfect opportunity to pick up full points.
A win would push City up to third in the league just two points behind leaders Arsenal. But can they do it? Or can Roy Keane's Black Cats become the first team this season to take points off City at the City of Manchester Stadium? We weigh up their chances...............
Played six, won six, scored 10 conceded 2. As home records go no side in the Premiership can compete with
Manager Eriksson will be concerned that of the club's 22 points, 18 have come at home but for tonight at least the focus will be about maintaining that incredible home record.
The news on
Inspirational winger Martin Petrov is set to return for the Citizens as they aim to close the gap on league leaders Arsenal to just two points.
Meanwhile up at
Roy Keane's success at
The massive gap between the Premiership and Championship in terms of class has been cruelly exposed by
The Black Cats couldn't lose last season but now have registered just one win in 11 league and cup matches.
Indeed Sunderland have picked up two points out of the last 15 and as they prepare for tonight's clash with the Premiership's most consistent team on home turf they've been hit by injuries and suspensions.
Central Defender Paul McShane as well as the talented Greg Halford are illegible to play due to suspensions while Dwight Yorke and Roy O Donovan are unlikely to feature due to calf and ankle injuries respectively.
All this and the crunch local derby with Newcastle United is just five days away. Worrying times for football's Mr. Cool!
TONIGHTS GETMINTED VERDICT:
