Capital One Cup Round 3: City @ Sunderland

City roll into the Tyneside looking to get back in form today. Losing at home to Juventus a week ago and West Ham on Saturday, Manchester City find themselves in a position that they haven't been in for quite a few months, and that's on the losing end of things.

Manager Manuel Pellegrini look to get on the better side of luck as they play Sunderland in this round of cup play against a struggling Sunderland squad. City have won the League Cup quite recently, so it's not as if they are unfamiliar with the workings of the tournament, but players like Fernando and Demichelis also need a bit of playing time to possibly gain positions closer to the first squad.

City have faced a slew of injuries that have not only effected the back line, but now finds itself getting it's grasp on the attacking players. David Silva and Kün Aguero have both picked up knocks, and while Aguero has returned to the starting lineup, he has seemingly been a bit off form for the last month, his most effective game being the one he scored in, which was the opener against Chelsea. Pellegrini will likely rest Aguero, giving way for Kelechi Iheanacho to get a run out at some point. Don't be surprised if Pelle plays more youth tonight, as well. Patrick Roberts, Manu Garcia and other EDS boys like Brandon Barker are likely thirsty for first team play.

Sunderland are reeling in the League table as they sit in dead last with two points in six matches. They do have plenty of former City players to choose from, but don't expect much opposition as the Black Cats don't have enough firepower to keep up with the Blues. As City fans, it's always suggested to err on the side of caution, as these are the kinds of matches we seem to fall asleep to. But if City drop to Sunderland, we've got a lot more concerns than we thought.

P.S. Look out for our highlighter yellow away shirts tonight. Wear the correct sun glasses.