TEAM NEWS: Kompany returns to Manchester City starting XI for Sunderland clash

Dec 26, 2012 2:00:00 PM

The Belgian's recovery means that he displaces Karim Rekik in the only change for Roberto Mancini's men, while Martin O'Neill brings in Matthew Kilgallon for John O'Shea

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany returns to the starting XI as Roberto Mancini's men travel to Sunderland on Boxing Day.

The Belgian's inclusion in place of youngster Karim Rekik is the only change for the Premier League champions at a ground where they were beaten last season.

With Gael Clichy unable to recover from a knock, Pablo Zabaleta is expected to move to left-back to cover for him.

Sunderland, meanwhile, also make only one change from their last game, a 1-0 win over Southampton. Matthew Kilgallon starts in place of John O'Shea, who is not in the squad.

Ji Dong-Won scored a late winner for the Black Cats on January 1, 2012 when the two sides last met at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland starting XI: Mignolet; Gardner, Kilgallon, Cuellar, Rose; Johnson, Larsson, Colback, McClean; Sessegnon; Fletcher

Subs: Bardsley, Campbell, Wickham, McFadden, Vaughan, Bramble, Westwood

Manchester City starting XI: Hart; Kolo Toure, Kompany, Nastasic, Zabaleta; Garcia, Milner; Yaya Toure, Silva; Aguero, Tevez

Subs: Pantilimon, Lescott, Rekik, Barry, Razak, Sinclair, Dzeko

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