A visit to City a nightmare start for David Moyes’ Sunderland
David Moyes resumes his Premier League career on Saturday, as the Scot’s Sunderland kick-off their league campaign with a trip to Manchester City.
In truth, it has not been a great summer for the club from the north east. Their squad is now dangerously small by Premier League standards. Moyes has strengthened his squad slightly by bringing in defenders Papy Djilobodji, Paddy McNair and Donald Love.
However, that squad be decreased even further after Ivory Coast international Lamine Kone handed in a transfer request. With a contract already reportedly on the table at Everton, the centre-back may complete his believed £18million move to Merseyside.
Saturday’s opponents Manchester City are favourites for the Premier League title, having appointed Pep Guardiola as boss. The Catalan boss has spent big with the signings of the likes of Leroy Sane, John Stones, Nolito and Ilkay Gundogan.
The Citizens favourites tag is understandable considering the quality of player and the man sitting in their dugout. The men from Manchester will be looking for a good start to life under Guardiola and notoriously poor starters Sunderland look like the perfect team to play in their season opener.
David Moyes’ side have a real tough start to the campaign and the lack of numbers does not bode well for a long Premier League season. The Black Cats will have to attempt to keep it tight at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening.
Unfortunately for the side from the north east they look high unlikely to emerge from Manchester with anything other than disappointment to show for their trip.