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Sunderland's very slim chances of getting something from Manchester City this week may receive a small boost with the news that influential midfield behemoth Yaya Toure is facing a three-match ban.
COMPETITION: WIN TICKETS FOR THE CAPITAL ONE CUP FINAL
The Ivorian was captured on television replays kicking out at Norwich's Ricky van Wolfswinkel whilst the referee's back was turned. The FA are expected to seek confirmation from Jon Moss that he did not see the incident, and should they get it the offence will be referred to a panel for retrospective punishment.
However, a unanimous decision by the three-man panel - consisting for former referees - is required for a suspension. Toure's central midfield partner, Fernandinho, is already likely to miss the game through injury.
However, should Toure be given a three-game ban, City's continued involvement in the FA Cup means that he would still be available for the Capital One Cup final in just under three weeks.