City have lost only twice all season but an unbeaten run made up overwhelmingly of draws means that any defeat quickly makes it look poor.
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Meanwhile, with only one win in the last 10 games, Mark Hughes knows that a home clash with Sunderland is a must-win fixture.
The good news is that City have a great Premier League record against the Black Cats, having won their last eight in a row, and nine of 10 overall.
Hughes will be tempted to recall Craig Bellamy after a disappointing midweek display from Robinho at Tottenham.
Bellamy's return from a one-game suspension will certainly bolster a City squad at virtually full-strength other than long-term defensive absentees Wayne Bridge and Joleon Lescott.
Sunderland lost at home to Aston Villa in midweek but their road form has been even worse, with just one win in the last 18, and just five goals in away games all season, a joint-low.
Manager Steve Bruce has a major injury concern in the form of central defender Michael Turner, who was forced off in Tuesday night's game, though John Mensah is now fit again and could replace the former Hull man if he fails to recover.
Bolo Zenden (hamstring) could also recover for the trip to Eastlands on Saturday, while influential midfielder Lee Cattermole played 20 minutes against Villa and could start in place of the suspended Lorik Cana.
With Stoke (h) and Wolves (a) to follow for Manchester City over the festive period, this match is the start of a spell of games that the big-spending club will be desperate to win.
Source: DSG
