Match Preview: Sunderland U21 v Manchester City U21

Sunderland U21’s host Manchester City U21’s on Saturday looking to continue their winning streak in the Premier League 2 to four games.

Last time out:

Sunderland travelled to Sheffield United on Monday night falling to a lacklustre 2-1 defeat, Harrison Jones gave the Black Cats the lead in the 16th minute which they held until Jevan Beattie levelled the score in the 78th minute and Zain Tahir capitalised on Sunderlands capitulation in the 82nd minute ensuring the three points stayed in Sheffield.

The Citizens’ last game was away to Lincoln in the EFL Trophy where they were beaten 5-0 leaving them winless and third in Group G.

Previous Meetings:

The last time Sunderland faced Manchester City was back in March where both sides played out an eventful 2-2 draw. Mahamadou Susoho gave City the lead in the 21st minute however it was Sunderland who led at half-time with goals from Caden Kelly and Jones. City managed to find an equaliser in the 74th minute with Tai Sodje firing home meaning the points were shared.

Team News:

Sunderland had eight AoL graduates in their first team match day squad when they faced Millwall at the weekend which shows the progression of the squad since Graeme Murty became head coach, there is no injury concerns or suspensions for Sunderland as they look to defeat the league leaders.

As for City they have had a two week rest from games meaning they also have no injuries or suspensions so head coach Ben Wilkinson has a range of options to choose from as he looks to continue his almost perfect start to the Premier League 2.

Players to Watch:

My player to watch for the Black Cats this week is Ben Middlemas, as mentioned earlier Middlemas was one of the graduates who was on the bench for the first team on Saturday as a reward for putting in consistent performances over the season even finding himself on the scoresheet in some games with his tidy finishes.

As for the Citizens their player to watch is right winger Farid Alfa-Ruprecht, he has notched five goals in all competitions this season and has been the key component to City being top of the league.

This match is being played at Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground on Saturday 12:00pm kick off as both teams look to avenge their recent defeats in their respective competitions and continue their fine starts to the Premier League 2 season.