The Sunderland transfer headlines you might have missed over Christmas
Sunderland host Manchester City in the Premier League on New Year’s Day
The Black Cats are currently seventh in the top flight table having drawn with Leeds United on Sunday afternoon, and will be looking to exact revenge having lost 3-0 to Pep Guardiola’s title challengers at the Etihad in early December.
For their part, City are in a rich vein of form, and are just two points adrift of Arsenal at the summit having won each of their last six Premier League matches. Their most recent victory came against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, with Rayan Cherki netting an 83rd-minute winner in a 2-1 triumph.
And while Sutton and Merson both expect Sunderland to put up an admirable fight against their illustrious visitors on Thursday, the punditry pair have also suggested that the Black Cats will eventually be overpowered.
What did Chris Sutton say about Sunderland vs Man City?
Speaking to BBC Sport, Sutton said: “City did not have it all their own way when they beat Sunderland at Etihad Stadium, but they dismantled them in the end and they are capable of doing the same at the Stadium of Light.
“It is hard to see anyone stopping City at the moment, really. Rayan Cherki is a big talent, and with such quick feet. Phil Foden almost scored against Forest on Saturday, and when Haaland draws a blank, like he did in that game, you know a goal is not far away.
“Still, Sunderland have the aggression that saw them rattle Arsenal and they are so well organised defensively too. That's why they still haven't lost at home this season, and I feel bad for writing them off so often, but I am sorry to say I am going to do it again.
“I feel like City have found their flow so I can't back against them, but I am expecting Sunderland to put up one heck of a fight.” Sutton has predicted a 3-1 City win.
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What did Paul Merson say about Sunderland vs Man City?
Speaking to Sportskeeda, Merson said: “This is a good time for Manchester City to play Sunderland. When Arsenal played Sunderland away from home, it wasn't a good time and Arteta's men ended up dropping points.
“Sunderland were second best to Leeds last weekend even though they got a point in that game. I fully expect City to break them down and get the win here. Sunderland will sit back and make it difficult, but City have too much guile.
“I talked about this before, the pressure could be on City here since Arsenal play first. And even though City end up giving chances to their opponents, they have the magic going forward. We saw that with Rayan Cherki stepping up against Nottingham Forest.
“If Sunderland did not have so many players away on AFCON duty, I would have expected them to have a real go at City. But that isn't the case and City's quality will shine through here.” Merson has also forecast a 3-1 Sunderland loss.
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