Sunderland have never liked the Sky Blues who relegated them in 1977 and twenty years later and will be fired up for this game. It was stalemate between the two teams last season with a 0-0 draw at the Stadium of Light, followed by a 1-1 draw at Highfield Road that saw the last ever appearance of Gary McAllister and a bad injury to former Sky Blue Colin Healey.
Unless something dramatic happens in the run-up to the game and the CCFC cheque book makes a very rare appearance, Peter Reid looks likely to give debuts to right back Louis Carey, midfielder Tim Sherwood who completed his move to Highfield Road on August 1st and Stephen Hughes who joined from Charlton Athletic.
He will be without Eric Deloumeaux who has a hamstring injury and Craig Pead who is out with an ankle injury. But both Eddy Johnson and Dele Adebola have recovered from knocks and one of the pair may be feature in the starting line-up, if Reid decides to be more attack minded than his side was against Norwich in the final friendly last Saturday.
Peter Reid,speaking to some invited City supporter reps in midweek, admitted to staying too long at Sunderland but with Mike McGinnity demanding instant success,the Scouser who admits to being a Liverpool fan may not have the chance to outstay his welcome at Highfield Road.
Unlike his Chairman,Reid is more level-headed about City's chances this season. He worries like the rest of us about the small squad he has and the lack of depth in certain areas,but is keen to put one over on his former team.
Veteran defender Steve Staunton trotted out the "It's a marathon not a sprint" line during the week and it is worth remembering that whatever the result they are still 45 matches to go
Kick-off is at 5.35pm. There are tickets available. Both Gary Mabbutts Knee and Twist n Shout Fanzines are available from the usual places.