Man City Face Sunderland: Key Predictions, Bold Lineups, and What to Expect

Manchester City are looking to extend their flawless start to the campaign when they take on Sunderland in Sunday's Premier League clash.

The Black Cats arrive at the Etihad Stadium on the back of their first European victory in nearly half a century, with an Enzo Le Fée spot-kick helping them edge out Eredivisie co-leaders AZ Alkmaar in their Europa League debut this season.

Man City were also in action midweek, having beaten Porto in their opening Champions League match ahead of the Manchester derby. Most recently, Enzo Maresca's squad thrashed Norwich City 5–0 to book their place in the Carabao Cup fourth round.

City have claimed victory in all six matches since the Community Shield, including four Premier League wins to keep up with champions Arsenal. They currently appear the strongest contenders to challenge the Gunners — who defeated Sunderland 2–0 at the Stadium of Light last weekend — for the title, having effectively refreshed their squad over the summer.

Man City vs. Sunderland Score Prediction

Cityzens Maintain Perfect Start

It is rare for the Cityzens to win in the fashion they did last week. Phil Foden's red card forced Maresca's men to sit deeper, yet they managed to hold off their cross-city rivals on both sides of Erling Haaland's disputed winning goal.

It has been a strong beginning to the Maresca era, though the Italian believes the most demanding test of City's season so far now awaits them.

"I know how strong they are, and I have the feeling that on Sunday we need a top performance to beat them, and we need to be 100% to win the game," the City manager said.

Régis Le Bris is marking his 100th match in charge, and a win for the away side here would stand as their most remarkable result since their return to the top flight in 2025.

Prediction: Man City 2–0 Sunderland

Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Sunderland

Maresca has indicated he is optimistic that Jérémy Doku will be available to play for the first time since the Community Shield on Sunday. The Belgian winger has been sidelined for over a month while recovering from a calf problem.

Doku's comeback means City suddenly have plenty of options out wide, but Phil Foden's ban could see fellow playmaker Rayan Cherki shift out to the right wing. Enzo Fernández may be deployed in an advanced midfield position, with Ayyoub Bouaddi set to make his first Premier League start alongside Elliot Anderson.

The Cityzens head into the extended international break with a fully fit squad, and Maresca will be hoping his players return to Manchester in October without any injuries.

Man City predicted lineup vs. Sunderland (4-2-3-1): Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Guéhi, Gvardiol; Bouaddi, Anderson; Cherki, Fernández, Semenyo; Haaland.

Sunderland Predicted Lineup vs. Man City

Sunderland made their Europa League debut on Wednesday, with new recruit Malick Fofana starting on the left flank. Fofana is being gradually introduced since joining the club late in the summer transfer window.

Ecuadorian international Nilson Angulo is expected to come in for the former Lyon youngster, while Brian Brobbey looks set to replace Wilson Isidor in attack.

Defender Reinildo is suspended for one match after picking up two yellow cards in the loss to Arsenal, meaning summer signing Dayann Methalie could step in at left back on Sunday.

The visitors will definitely be without Romaine Mundle and Habib Diarra, with the former unlikely to feature again this year due to a knee problem. The injury Omar Alderete picked up against AZ leaves him doubtful for the trip to Manchester.

Sunderland predicted lineup vs. Man City (4-2-3-1): Roefs; Mukiele, Ballard, Danso, Methalie; Xhaka, Sadiki; Meunier, Le Fée, Angulo; Brobbey.

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