City's Kompany ruled out of Sunderland clash

Manchester City’s defensive difficulties continued as captain Vincent Kompany was ruled out of the champions’ Barclays Premier League clash with Sunderland.

Micah Richards made a surprise return from an ankle injury in his place while Joleon Lescott was also restored to the defence in place of Matija Nastasic at the Etihad Stadium.

Yaya Toure took over as skipper, playing alongside Gareth Barry in midfield, while Carlos Tevez and Mario Balotelli started up front.

Sunderland, with former City winger Adam Johnson in their side, made one change as Carlos Cuellar replaced Titus Bramble.

Man City v Sunderland Man City: Hart, Zabaleta, Richards, Lescott, Kolarov, Milner, Toure, Barry, Silva, Tevez, Balotelli. Subs: Pantilimon, Nasri, Dzeko, Aguero, Rodwell, Clichy, Toure.

Sunderland: Mignolet, Gardner, O’Shea, Cuellar, Rose, Johnson, Larsson, Colback, McClean, Sessegnon, Fletcher. Subs: Westwood, Campbell, Kilgallon, Vaughan, Meyler, Bramble, Saha.

Referee: Lee Probert (Wiltshire)