admin‘I feel bad…’ – Chris Sutton and Paul Merson agree on outcome of Sunderland clash vs Man City
Sunderland welcome Manchester City to the Stadium of Light on New Year’s Day, but both Chris Sutton and Paul Merson believe the Black Cats are set for another tough afternoon.
The Wearside outfit currently sit seventh in the Premier League table after sharing the points with Leeds United on Sunday. They will be hoping to avenge their 3–0 defeat to Pep Guardiola’s side earlier in December, but the task looks daunting against a City team in red-hot form.
The reigning champions are just two points behind league leaders Arsenal after winning six consecutive league matches. Their latest victory came on Saturday, when Rayan Cherki struck late to seal a 2–1 win over Nottingham Forest.
Despite expecting Sunderland to be competitive, both pundits believe City’s quality will ultimately prove too strong.
Sutton’s verdict
Speaking to BBC Sport, Sutton said:
“City didn’t have everything their own way at the Etihad, but they still pulled away in the end, and they’re more than capable of doing the same again at the Stadium of Light.
“It’s difficult to see anyone stopping them right now. Cherki is an outstanding talent with quick feet, and even when Haaland doesn’t score — like against Forest — you know it won’t be long before he does.
“Sunderland are aggressive and very well organised defensively, which is why they’re still unbeaten at home. I hate writing them off, but I’m doing it again here.
“City look like they’ve hit their stride, and although I expect Sunderland to make it tough, I’m backing City to come through.”
Sutton predicts a 3–1 victory for the visitors.
Merson’s view
Writing for Sportskeeda, Merson echoed those thoughts:
“This is a good moment for Manchester City to face Sunderland. When Arsenal went there, the timing wasn’t right and they dropped points.
“Sunderland were second-best against Leeds last weekend despite getting a draw. I expect City to eventually break them down. Sunderland will sit deep and try to frustrate, but City have too much quality.
“There’s pressure on City with Arsenal playing first, but even when they give chances away, they’ve got players who can produce moments of magic — like Cherki did against Forest.
“If Sunderland didn’t have so many players away at AFCON, I’d fancy them to have a proper go. But as it stands, City’s class should tell.”
Merson also predicts a 3–1 defeat for Sunderland.
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