Man City Preview

Back on the road and tomorrow Sunderland will be travelling to mega-rich Manchester City.

Finances apart, these two clubs are both in similar stages at the moment. They both have potentially great managers at the helm, both on a poor run of form, both have a squad of talented professionals. Plus they each have a fantastic fan base and are both looking to reach that 'next level'.

The real difference is the level they are trying to progress to. Sunderland hope to improve upon their league position and establish themselves as a top half Premier League force. Whereas Man City are looking to move on and have ambitions of crashing the 'top four'.

With the players each club acquired over the summer, they have every chance of doing this.

The Black Cats bought sensibly and brought in the likes of Darren Bent, Lorik Cana, Lee Cattermole and Michael Turner, all of which have played in the Premier League or to that standard.

Money bags City really splashed the cash and raided the top clubs for some of their star players such as Carlos Tevez, Gareth Barry, Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor.

The mackems have really struggled away from home this season and so far have only picked up four points. Their Sky Blue opponents have picked up the reputation of draw specialists this season and I have a feeling it may continue tomorrow.

Sunderland are missing captain Lorik Cana who was sent off against Aston Villa through the week, so Lee Cattermole may be forced to start after returning early from injury. Defender Michael Turner is a doubt meaning the opportunity is their for either Phil Bardsley or John Mensah to stake a first team claim.

Man City must do without Nigel de Jong, Wayne Bridge and Joleon Lescott but could welcome back Craig Bellamy.

Portsmouth Preview

It's not often that we are compared to Manchester United, but in this situation we face a similar problem as the current Champions.

Sunderland have a huge shortage of defenders for this weekends game against Pompey and just like the Red Devils who had eight defenders missing for their last game, we may have to put players into unfamiliar positions.

Anton Ferdinand is the latest casualty after he suffered a serious ankle injury from Eric Nevland's tackle in last weeks game vs Fulham. John Mensah has suffered a recurrence of a calf strain and George McCartney is rated 50-50 with hamstring trouble.

Plus make shift left back Kieran Richardson and fellow full back Phil Bardsley are both suspended for each picking up five yellow cards through the season.

That only leaves Michael Turner, Paulo Da Silva and Nyron Nosworthy, who had to receive six stitches last week for a clash of heads.

Steve Bruce's options may be move captain Lorik Cana into the back line, but I think this could then limit our physical presence in midfield, maybe Andy Reid or Jordan Henderson could form make shift full backs. Another option for Bruce is he could promote a few more youngsters and reserves to the first team such as Michael Liddle or Michael Kay.

Then again he may decide to change the formation and just play three at the back, with a heavy emphasis on attacking the team who are bottom of the league.

The south coast club should be able to recall England goalkeeper David James to the starting line up, as well as defender Younes Kaboul who returns from suspension.

Not to be bitter, but I hope Kaboul gets a bad reception at the Stadium of Light. Remember he was once a target for the Mackems and his response to being linked was "I would not join Sunderland-even if there was an earthquake."

Let's hope the stadium rocks tomorrow and Kaboul leaves with nothing but regret at turning down an incredible club.

Wigan Preview

Steve Bruce takes Sunderland back to his former club Wigan Athletic and I am sure he will want to get one over his previous team and in particular their chairman Dave Whelan.

Wigan were humiliated 9-1 by Tottenham Hotspur last week and soon afterwards Wigan supremo Whelan pointed the blame at Bruce, stating he had made some dodgy signings when he was boss.

Excuse me but Mr Whelan is talking complete rubbish and is just looking for a way to protect his own manager Roberto Martinez. Bruce acknowledged this and said that there were no hard feelings, but I believe that it was a terrible statement, it shows no gratitude or respect. Steve Bruce kept Wigan in the Premier League, before he took over they were heading straight for the fizzy pop league, but he managed to finish in a respectable position. Plus some of his signings were incredible for a club like Wigan; he brought in quality players like Wilson Palacios, Antonio Valencia, Hugo Rodallega, Charles N'Zogbia, Maynor Figueroa and even transformed former Toon defender Titus Bramble in to a solid defender. So how is he to blame?

The Black Cats should be full of confidence for the trip to the DW Stadium, after recently beating Arsenal 1-0 at the SoL. But beware as Wigan will be looking to bounce back from that Spurs thrashing, repaying (in more sense than one) the fans who witnessed it. Also think back a few weeks ago, the mackems had secured all three points against Liverpool and many thought they would travel to Birmingham, (another or Bruce's old clubs) and turn them over. Well it didn't finish like that with Sunderland putting in a lack lustre performance; let's hope it is not the same against the Latics.

It looks like top scorer Darren Bent could actually make the trip to Wigan and play an important part with his injury not as serious as first thought. Kenwyne Jones is still suspended, however Michael Turner is available, so Bruce must decide whether to bring Turner back in or stick with the same defence that kept a clean sheet against Arsenal. Lee Cattermole and Craig Gordon are both long-term absentees.

Wigan only have a doubt over left back Figueroa, but Martinez may make changes to freshen his team up.

Haway the Lads, do this one for Bruce.