Paul Merson shares what will ‘definitely’ happen in Man City vs Sunderland
Paul Merson is quitely optimistic about Sunderland’s chances of putting up a fight against Man City.
Sunderland face Man City at the Etihad on Saturday, having picked up a valuable point away to Liverpool on Wednesday night.
Pep Guardiola’s side have looked vulnerable at times this season, but the fact that they are second in the Premier League speaks volumes about the quality they have.
However, despite that, Merson still believes that the Black Cats can cause problems against Man City, while sharing one thing that will happen at the Etihad.
Sunderland have been mind-blowingly good, says Paul Merson
Despite December not even being a week old, Sunderland already look safe from relegation, having amassed 23 points from their first 14 games back in the top flight.
The Black Cats are 11 points clear of West Ham, who currently occupy the final relegation spot, and 21 points clear of bottom-placed Wolves.
A big reason behind that is their ability to cause an upset against the top teams, with the Mackems unbeaten against five of last year’s top seven, and four of this year’s.
In his prediction for Sportskeeda, Merson can’t see the Black Cats extending their record, but he is absolutely certain of one thing.
He said: “Sunderland will definitely score in this game. It’s about how many Manchester City will score, and that will decide the contest!
“It’s unbelievable and mind-blowing what they are doing in the Premier League. They almost beat Liverpool as well in midweek!
“A few years ago, I would have backed City to win this game 4-0. But they are a shadow of that team now. I think they will still have enough to edge this game, even though it’s a tricky one.“
Merson went on to predict a 2-1 win for Man City.
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Regis Le Bris has identified Man City weakness
While Sunderland were battling away at Anfield to secure a draw against Liverpool, Man City were left counting their lucky stars after a narrow win against Fulham.
Despite being 5-1 up at one point, Fulham pulled it back to 5-4, and looked like they could go on to secure one of the most memorable comebacks in Premier League history.
It wasn’t to be, but speaking ahead of the clash on Saturday, Regis Le Bris highlighted how City do have their own frailties that can be exposed.
The Frenchman said: “It showed that Manchester City can concede goals, and they have their own weaknesses, so it’s like that, trying to manage their strengths and trying to open the opportunities to score. Let’s see if we can get the balance.”
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