Sunderland v Manchester City Betting: Guardiola's men can keep the Black Cats quiet

Sunderland’s scrap for survival continues when Manchester City travel to Stadium of Light to face the Black Cats. Pep Guardiola’s charges claimed a sixth win in seven matches when they cruised past Huddersfield Town in the FA Cup on Wednesday night and, on current form, the men from Manchester will certainly provide formidable opposition for David Moyes’ side.

The hosts have taken full points from just one of their last nine league matches and it is imperative that Moyes’ men arrest that dismal run of results sooner rather than later if they are to preserve their place in the top flight beyond the end of the current campaign.

The odds compilers, though, do not expect a fightback to begin against Manchester City; indeed, the enormity of the task facing the home side is reflected by the 11/1 (12.0) quote on offer from Betfair Sportsbook for the men from Wearside to kickstart their campaign in spectacular style with a win in this one.

Manchester City, who have won each of their previous three Premier League matches, are as short as 2/7 (1.29) with Betfair Sportsbook to maintain momentum by taking maximum points from this tussle, while the same firm go 24/5 (5.80) that both sides are forced to settle for a share of the spoils from this clash.

While those odds about an away win are unlikely to attract much attention as a single wager, Betfair's new customer offer of 6/1 (7.0) on Manchester City to pick up three points should prove popular. To take up this price simply register using the link above, back the visitors ar the usual odds shown on site and if they win, the returns will be topped up at full time. Winnings paid as free bets. T&C's apply.

Sunderland’s survival hopes have been hampered by their inability to put the ball in the net; the Black Cats have failed to find the net in five of their last six matches, with their only goals during this barren spell coming in a remarkable 4-0 win against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park at the beginning of last month.

Only Jermain Defoe has managed more than three Premier League goals for Sunderland so far this season and, of their leading four marksmen in the top flight, only Defoe and Victor Anichebe remain at the club, with Patrick van Aanholt and Younes Kaboul having departed to Crystal Palace and Watford respectively in January.

Manchester City have no such concerns, Guardiola’s side have notched 51 Premier League goals this season – more than double the number of goals that the Black Cats have scored in the top flight thus far.

With such a significant gulf between the teams, punters may be tempted to back the visitors to win by at least two clear goals at 8/11 (1.73) – a selection that would have paid dividends in six of Manchester City’s last seven victories.

Sunderland’s struggles in front of goal, though, are difficult to ignore and the value could lie in Betfair Sportsbook’s 23/20 (2.15) quote for Guardiola’s side to win to nil; the selection would have landed in four of Manchester City’s last six wins in domestic competition and it may be a solid option once again ahead of Sunday’s showdown.