Elano: City's star man

skysports.com prediction: Man City 2 Sunderland 0

Player to watch: Elano

Sky Bet odds: Man City 4/7 Draw 5/2 Sunderland 11/2

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Manchester City are aiming to go third in the table when they welcome Sunderland to Eastlands on Monday night.

Sven Goran Eriksson's men have a 100 per cent record at home this season, while Sunderland are still searching for their first away win.

Micah Richards is set to miss out for City after picking up a knee injury in last week's Carling Cup victory at Bolton.

In Richards' absence Vedran Corluka is set to revert to centre back with Nedum Onuoha coming in at full-back.

Petrov boost

The home side welcome back Bulgarian winger Martin Petrov after recovering from a toe injury and he is expected to go straight back into the starting line-up.

Eriksson must decide who to start in goal with Andreas Isaksson or Joe Hart battling for the spot.

Sunderland travel to Manchester without suspended duo Paul McShane and Greg Halford.

Young defender Michael Kay could be included in the squad to provide cover for the suspended pair, while Graham Kavanagh is back in contention after a loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday.

Jones fit

Top scorer Kenwyne Jones is fit after recovering from a calf problem, but Dwight Yorke and Roy O'Donovan are doubts for the clash.

Dean Whitehead, Carlos Edwards and Andy Cole are all still out for Keane's troops.