Man City Set to Dominate Sunderland: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed

Manchester City are looking to secure their third consecutive Premier League triumph when they welcome impressive Sunderland on Saturday afternoon.

Following successive losses to Newcastle United and Bayer Leverkusen, Pep Guardiola's squad bounced back with a thrilling 3–2 triumph over Leeds United last weekend that witnessed them relinquish a two-goal advantage before claiming victory in added time. The drama intensified midweek during their extraordinary 5–4 success against Fulham, where they nearly fell victim to a historic comeback despite holding a four-goal cushion.

Man City will be targeting a more controlled and defensively solid performance against Sunderland as they attempt to maintain contact with league leaders Arsenal. They currently trail the Gunners by five points, who face a challenging visit to Aston Villa on Saturday lunchtime.

Sunderland won't be easy opponents, though. They rightfully earned a draw at Liverpool midweek to complement outstanding results against Arsenal and Chelsea earlier, with the Black Cats presently sitting in sixth following a remarkable campaign start. They will believe they can claim another notable victory away from home.

Here's Sports Illustrated's preview of Saturday's encounter at the Etihad Stadium.

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Man City Team News

The Citizens encountered no new injury worries during their chaotic triumph at Craven Cottage, with Rodri and Mateo Kovačić remaining the sole unavailable players. Guardiola has stated that the former is "improving," though he remains uncertain about his return schedule.

Guardiola also suggested the need for rest and rotation against Sunderland, indicating that young left-back Nico O'Reilly could be among those to step aside. Rayan Aït-Nouri is prepared to step in.

Erling Haaland and Phil Foden are almost guaranteed to retain their places, however, with both displaying outstanding scoring form. Foden has delivered consecutive doubles and is rediscovering his rhythm after last season's struggles.

Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Sunderland

Man City predicted lineup vs. Sunderland (4-1-4-1): Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, Aït-Nouri; Nico; Cherki, Reijnders, Foden, Doku; Haaland.

Sunderland Team News

Dennis Cirkin, Habib Diarra and Leo Hjelde remain unavailable for Régis Le Bris, but the Sunderland manager received no additional injury setbacks following the stalemate at Anfield.

Le Bris must choose whether to maintain the back four formation deployed against Liverpool or return to the five-man defense typically employed against the league's top teams this season. The latter approach might be more suitable against Haaland and company.

In attack, Wilson Isidor could return to the starting eleven after being substituted for Brian Brobbey on Wednesday.

Sunderland Predicted Lineup vs. Man City

Sunderland predicted lineup vs. Man City (5-4-1): Roefs; Hume, Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo; Talbi, Xhaka, Sadiki, Le Fée; Isidor.

Man City vs. Sunderland Score Prediction

Guardiola will be troubled by his team's recent defensive frailties having allowed 10 goals in their previous four fixtures, and Sunderland's counter-attacking threat will concern the Spanish manager ahead of the weekend's clash.

Nevertheless, with Haaland in irresistible form, Foden displaying his 2023–24 quality and Jérémy Doku shining on the flanks, City should manage to outgun the Black Cats—even if they cannot secure a clean sheet for the fifth consecutive match.

Prediction: Man City 2–1 Sunderland