Manchester City and Sunderland head south tomorrow to contest the League Cup Final, with both sides looking to win the first official silverware of the season at Wembley.
Sunderland have had a superb run to Wembley, beating Chelsea in a 4-3 thriller at the Stadium of Light in December, and then winning on penalties over two legs against a beleaguered Manchester United side, in a rather dramatic semi-final in January.
The Blackcats have endured a tough season, but have thrived in Cup competitions especially, spearheaded under recently appointed manager Gus Poyet, who has changed the fortunes of the club, however, they are still deeply embroiled in a relegation battle at the bottom of the Premier League.
Poyet this week said that he’d rather survive in the Premier League than win this domestic trophy, however, the prospect of the Cup win would be too good to turn down for the former Brighton boss.
Poyet will be sweating on the fitness of Scottish striker Steven Fletcher, whilst goalkeeper Kieran Westwood is the other casualty, with the Irish keeper out with a shoulder inury.
This means heroic Italian Vito Mannone will retain his place in goal for the Cup Final showpiece, with the keeper hoping he can celebrate his Birthday with the greatest present of all.
Adam Johnson will be looking to get one over on his old club, with the maverick winger starring in Sunderland’s season so far, with many predicting a future England call up is on the cards.
Johnson stated that his side would “Go down in history” if they won the Cup.
City are overwhelming favourites for the Cup Final of course, and make their third trip to Wembley in three years.
Pellegrini’s men have been in superb form this season, scoring over 100 goals and challenging for the Premier League title, the Citizens have also got out the group stages of the Champions League, something they failed to do under Mancini, however, they have an uphill battle if they are to beat Barcelona at the Nou Camp, and advance to the next stage.
City have stuttered somewhat in their last few League games, but got back on track thanks to a Yaya Toure winner against Stoke City.
And City will be able to rely upon Sergio Aguero, who returned to first team training this week, and could be back to spearhead the attack, in place of Stevan Jovetic (hamstring).
Defender Matija Nastasic is also out injured, he too has a Hamstring injury ahead of the Final.
City will be looking to have a better experience of Wembley after their last trip in May, as Wigan Athletic stunned the Citizens with Ben Watson heading in a stoppage time winner to win it for the Latics.
It is also City’s first League Cup final appearance since 1976, when they overcame Sunderland’s North East rivals, Newcastle, winning 2-1 at the Old Wembley.
Sunderland do have a decent record against the big spending City, as Phil Bardsley scored the winner in a 1-0 win.
By Ben Reardon
@BenReardon1
