Gus Poyet was forced into changes as the suspensions of Andrea Dossena and Lee Cattermole both continue to be served.
This means Phil Bardsley continues at left-back, while Ondrej Celustka comes in on the right. Wes Brown starts alongside captain John O'Shea in the middle of defence, with Vito Mannone maintaining his place in goal behind.
A midfield of Ki Seung-Yong, Seb Larsson and Jack Colback will do battle in the middle, with Adam Johnson and a returning Emanuele Giaccherini providing support to lone striker Steven Fletcher.
Sunderland (4-4-2): Vito Mannone; Ondrej Celustka, Phil Bardsley, Wes Brown, John O'Shea; Ki Seung-Yong, Seb Larsson, Jack Colback, Emanuele Giaccherini, Adam Johnson; Steven Fletcher
Substitutes: Keiren Westwood, Cabral, Craig Gardner, Jozy Altidore, Modibo Diakite, Fabio Borini, Charis Mavrias
Manuel Pellegrini opted to continue with Costel Pantillimon in ahead of Joe Hart, whilst also made changes at the back with Joleon Lescott coming in for a rare start alongside Martin Demichelis. Also at the back Micah Richards replaces the reliable Pablo Zabaleta.
The dangerous pair of Sergio Aguero and Alvaro Negredo continue in attack, with Edin Dzeko being forced into settling for a place on the bench.
Matija Nastasic sits out with an injury.
Manchester City (4-4-2): Costel Pantillimon; Micah Richards, Martin Demichelis, Joleon Lescott, Aleksander Kolarov; James Milner, Yaya Toure, Javi Garcia, Samir Nasri; Sergio Aguero, Alvaro Negredo
Substitutes: Joe Hart, Edin Dzeko, Pablo Zabaleta, Jesus Navas, Jack Rodwell, Dedryck Boyata, Gael Clichy
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