May well be a tricky match with Sunderland fighting for their lives, interesting Poyet seems to have gone for the 5-3-2 formation recently with 2 dms so they may well be hard to break down. I would say pace in this game is fairly pointless as will be no space getting behind the deep line Sunderland will play.
Obviously Hart in goal as he is on fairly decent form.
Clichy showed his deficiencies all too well on Sunday and he does not have any attacking ability, Alexs' left peg could well be important and his flair for bombing on. The way Sunderland set out means they usually do not rely on width so he should be well covered defensively.
Zaba is the only choice for this game, the warrior will love the physical battle that lies ahead and his attacking runs could prove vital.
MDM - The form central defender,reads the game well and has decent passing ability.
Kompany/ Garcia - Hopefully Komps is fit, if not we need someone who can pass the ball around a bit so Javi for me.
Fernandinho and Nasri as the central midfielders, Fernandinho usually steps up when Yaya is absent, he has the energy and drive to dominant the midfield battle against Cattermole and Bridcutt. Nasri thrives playing central and can dictate the tempo of the game, some people would say Milner but against a struggling and negative side we might aswell go for the extra creativity.
Silva to play his usual floating roll, he is in the best form out of the whole team and is pulling the strings. Also seems to be having a few more shots which is promising.
Milner as the marauding winger, he links well with Silva and tracks back in case of a rare Sunderland break away. Changed the game against Liverpool with his drive.
Jovetic to play just behind the main striker, the boy is desperate for a chance and has movement and flicks that would drag around the slow and clumsy Sunderland defenders.
Aguero - The potential link up between Sergio and Jovetic is something I have wanted to see for a while. Both should be fresh and the low centre of gravity means they could find space in crowded penalty areas.
