Manchester City will host newcomers Sunderland in the Premier League on Sunday as they look to make it five straight wins.
City, who began life under new manager Enzo Maresca, have won all of their opening four games of the season – scoring eight goals in the process.
Their perfect start sees them occupy second place, only behind leaders Arsenal on goal difference.
Maresca’s side are coming off a resounding 5-0 demolition of Norwich in the League Cup, and have not kept clean sheets in their last four games.
Sunderland on the other hand, bounced back from a slim league defeat to Arsenal to beat AZ Alkmaar 1-0 on their Europa League return.
The Black Cats made a return to European football after a 53-year hiatus and are confident they can cause some sort of challenge here.
The hosts will be expected to dominate possession and create the majority of the chances, and the odds favor them to win here.
Sunderland’s challenge will be to remain organised, limit City’s opportunities in dangerous areas and make the most of any counterattacking openings.
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What time does Man City vs Sunderland start?
The match kicks off at 4PM E.A.T at the Etihad
Man City vs Sunderland team news
We can expect plenty of changes in the City squad after rotation in midweek, with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma returning between the sticks.
Rayan Cherki scored in midweek and could be one of the few to retain their spots in the starting XI, with Antoine Semenyo poised to return as well.
Phil Foden is available after serving his suspension following a red card but will be on the bench, with Jeremy Doku still absent due to injury.
Erling Haaland was rested in midweek and the Norwegian is expected to start here. He already leads the scoring charts with four goals in as many games.
The Black Cats have maintained a similar XI in their opening four league games and will maintain it here.
Enzo Le Fee has been their most dangerous player so far and he will lead the team in the attacking midfield role, with Brian Brobbey the key figure up top.
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Man City vs Sunderland head-to-head and current form
The hosts are favorites heading into this game after winning four of the last five matches played against Sunderland.
A barren draw the last time these sides met on New Year’s Day is the only point Sunderland have managed against City in their last nine matches.
Current form:
Man City – WWWWW
Sunderland – WLWDW
Man City vs Sunderland previous games
- Sunderland 0-0 Man City (January 1, 2026)
- Man City 3-0 Sunderland (December 6, 2025)
- Sunderland 0-2 Man City (March 5, 2017)
- Man City 2-1 Sunderland (August 13, 2016)
- Sunderland 0-1 Man City (February 2, 2016)
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Man City vs Sunderland prediction
City’s perfect start to the league season and recent derby victory make them a strong contender for the home win. They boast a superior squad and enough attacking quality to muster a win here.
Prediction – Man City to win – PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME HERE!