Manchester City Fan Interview
Money bags City arrive on Wearside for the first SAFC game of 2012. Can we get off to a winning start? I spoke to Manchester City fan Joshua about supporting a team from 'The Other Side'.....
Not many SAFC fans will be sad to see the back of 2011 which was a poor year overall. Finishing 10th last season was a rare plus point after a bad run of form saw us struggle for a win for long periods of the season.
This season has saw the departure of Gyan, Henderson, Ferdinand and now Steve Bruce after a dire run of results.
The arrival of Martin O'Neill however, has sparked a resurgance at the club and going into this game, Sunderland can boast 7 points from 12 under the Irishman since his era began.
I spoke to Man City fan Joshua from footymad.net messageboard to chat about our clubs and the season so far.....
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Hi Joshua. Firstly tell us alittle about yourself, and how long you have supported City for....
Hi. Name is Josh and I'm 19. Lived in Manchester all my life with my parents and 2 sisters. All of us are City daft and go to most the games.
Still at college and always skint. My dad took me to my first game when I was about 8. Think it was against Blackburn.
What were your pre-season expectations for City?
Unlimited highs. With the players we have at our disposal I was confident of winning any competition put before us if we could get into our rhythm.
As it stands, how confident are you that Man City could win their first Premiership title?
Going into the Sunderland game we sit on 45 points from a possible 54. We have a fantastic goalscoring return. Its ours to lose.
Does it not concern you that Man Utd are renowned for their strong finishes to Premiership title races?
Man Utd are a good side and are our main threat but they do not have the quality in depth within their squad and I think we have the psychological edge after getting a tidy result at their place earlier in the season. 
Who has been your top performer this season?
There have been a few contenders as we have not relied on one man. Its been a squad effort. Balotelli for example has been on form of late but prior to his run we have seen Aguero and Dzeko banging them in for fun.
In other areas of the field Johnson, Silva, Kompany, Richards, Yaya, Hart and Lescott have been instrumental. A good season for alot of players so far.
Is it a fair call that City are simply buying the title?
In the past Newcastle, Man Utd, Liverpool and more recently Chelsea have spent huge sums in their own right so what makes it any different with us?
Yes we have the funds to buy a lot of top starts but that dosent make it simple and easy as Tevez has shown. We went out of the Champions League too. Man Utd are equal on points with us.
Its made us able to compete but you need to turn all these players into a team and Mancini can take credit for that.
I resent the jealousy other fans have of City.
Who would you like to see sign next?
I don't think there are too many areas I'd want to change. We want a competitive, strong squad but not to the point where we have unhappy players left out.
Nasri, Clichy, Hargreaves etc are all still settling and the best is yet to come from them so personally I'd hold off any changes until the Summer.
Obviously if Messi wants the move to Manchester I would welcome him with open arms.
What is your opinion of Balotelli?
Unpredictable.
Whats your opinion of SAFC this season?
Going nowhere under Bruce and very good move bringing in Martin O'Neill although Hughes would have been a good shout in my opinion.
Which SAFC players have impressed you most this season?
Larsson keep scoring cracking goals and seems to get you out of the shit alot. Risky relying on him all the time though.
Sessegnon looks like a player who could flourish at a bigger club.
How's Nedum Onouha doing back at City?
Not doing alot other than whining. He will be off....
How do you see both our clubs doing in 2012?
Very differently. We will be competing. You guys won't be so much. I expect Man City to be challenging for major honours. Sunderland mid-table but safe under Martin. You guys need a striker.
Some quick fire questions....
Lager or Bitter? Lager
Chinese or Indians? Indians
Liverpool or Everton? Everton
Newcastle or Sunderland? Sunderland
Quinn or Shearer? Gotta be Quinny
Scotland or Wales? Neither
Who will get relegated this season?
Blackburn look doomed don't they. I think QPR will get sucked into it despite their spend and I'm going to go for Wolves too.
Wigan always seem to escape.
Will you be heading to the game on Sunday?
I am yeah. Me, my dad and my friend Shaun are all driving up together. I will probably have a hangover from Saturday night. It will be my first time at the Stadium of Light so looking forward to it.
Prediction for the match?
I expect a fairly tough game from a Martin O'Neill side but we should have enough quality and I see a 3-1 win on the cards.
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Chestermackem's Conclusion: "Very tough match and on paper, it dosent get harder than the league leaders. Its probably beyond us to expect a home win but anything can happen in footy and who knows with O'Neill in charge...
Joshua has already highlighted more than half a dozen in form City players who we need to watch out for and unless we are at our very best, I expect an away win to start 2012 for SAFC. Sorry."