Preview: Manchester City vs. Sunderland

Manchester City have the chance to regain their spot at the top of the Premier League table and go level on points with Manchester United if they can defeat Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium.

Roberto Mancini is likely to welcome back Sergio Aguero into the fold for Saturday's game after he was left out of the squad that drew 1-1 with Stoke City at the weekend.

While Vincent Kompany could potentially return to fitness for the weekend, Kolo Toure could retain his spot in defence.

Mario Balotelli is also likely to start up front for the North West side, despite a reported bust-up with manager Mancini.

Meanwhile, Martin O'Neill is likely to place Phil Bardsley at left-back due to Wayne Bridge's ineligibility to feature in the fixture and John O'Shea could start, despite limping off the field during the Black Cats' 3-1 win over Queens Park Rangers last weekend.

Current form:

Manchester City: WLLWWD Sunderland: DWDLWL

Possible lineups:

Manchester City: Hart; Zabaleta, Richards, Kolo Toure, Clichy; Nasri, Yaya Toure, Barry, Silva; Aguero, Balotelli

Sunderland: Mignolet; O'Shea, Turner, Kyrgiakos, Bardsley; Larsson, Cattermole, Gardner, McClean; Sessegnon, Bendtner

Sports Mole says: 2-1