Nick Barnes and James Copley react to Sunderland 1-1 Leeds United
The latest team news from Pep Guardiola's squad as Man City prepare to face Sunderland.
Sunderland face one of the biggest tests of their unbeaten home record this season when they host Manchester City on New Year’s Day.
The Black Cats have enjoyed a wonderful start to life back in the Premier League, sitting seventh in the table with 28 points from 18 games. That has undoubtedly been fuelled by a dominant record at the Stadium of Light, where Sunderland are unbeaten after nine games with five wins and four draws - sitting alongside leaders Arsenal as the only remaining unbeaten home teams.
Next up, however, is a Man City side enjoying an eight-game winning streak across all competitions, which includes six straight victories in the Premier League. Regis Le Bris will take heart, however, from the fact that City come to the North East nursing a few injuries and absences. Here is the latest team news from Pep Guardiola’s side.
Manchester City team news vs Sunderland
Omar Marmoush - Out
Omar Marmoush hasn’t been as clinical this season as he has been in previous campaigns, registering just one goal and one assist in 18 games across all competitions, and no goals in 10 Premier League outings. However, he’s still a hugely important figure in Guardiola’s attack, which is why he’s such a big miss for them after jetting off to the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt.
The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone.Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.
Rayan Ait Nouri - Out
Joining Egypt’s North African rivals, Algeria, at Afcon is Rayan Ait Nouri, though the full-back had played just 51 minutes of competitive football across November and December combined before joining up with his national team - unable to break into the Man City starting line-up.
John Stones - Doubt
John Stones hasn’t featured since coming on in the second half of Man City’s dramatic 5-4 win away at Fulham at the start of December, picking up a hamstring injury. The England international is, however, close to a return and could make the bench here.
Jeremy Doku - Doubt
Jeremy Doku has also been on the treatment table for a couple of weeks with a leg injury, but Guardiola has said he and Stones are on the mend. “Doku and John still aren’t there but soon they’ll be back,” he said before the 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday, suggesting Doku could also return to the squad on Thursday.
Mateo Kovacic - Out
Mateo Kovacic picked up an ankle injury at the beginning of October and is still a considerable way off returning to fitness. The Croatian isn’t expected back until the latter stages of the campaign, which will give him only a short window to impress if he’s to make his nation’s 2026 World Cup squad.
Oscar Bobb - Out
Oscar Bobb has been struggling with a muscle injury, which is to be expected given how long he was out with a broken leg. The Norway international should be back in action sometime later in January, but not in time for this match.
Continue Reading