Manchester City will look to maintain their perfect Premier League start when they welcome Sunderland to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Enzo Maresca’s side have won six consecutive matches across all competitions, scoring 15 goals and keeping four straight clean sheets. Their latest victory came in the Carabao Cup, where City thrashed Norwich City 5-0, with 17-year-old academy graduate Floyd Samba scoring twice on his senior debut.
Softfootball believes City will enter the contest full of confidence after Manchester City Continue Winning Run With 5-0 Rout of Norwich, although Sunderland are expected to provide a much tougher test. Maresca has described the Black Cats as his side’s toughest challenge of the season so far, praising their organisation and competitiveness.
Team News
Phil Foden remains suspended after his red card in the Manchester derby, while Jeremy Doku could return after missing six matches with a calf problem. Doku is unlikely to start if passed fit. Erling Haaland is expected to lead the attack.
Sunderland will be without Habib Diarra and Romaine Mundle through injury, while Reinildo Mandava is suspended. Omar Alderete will be assessed after his midweek injury, with Daniel Ballard expected to deputise.
Possible Lineups
| Manchester City | Sunderland |
| Donnarumma | Roefs |
| Nunes | Mukiele |
| Dias | Danso |
| Guehi | Ballard |
| Gvardiol | Methalie |
| Anderson | Xhaka |
| Fernandez | Sadiki |
| Ndiaye | Meunier |
| Cherki | Le Fee |
| Semenyo | Angulo |
| Haaland | Brobbey |
Prediction
City’s attacking quality, home record and current momentum make them strong favourites on paper. Sunderland have shown resilience this season, but Maresca’s side should have enough to control the contest.
Manchester City 2-0 Sunderland
How to Watch
| Region | Broadcaster/Platform |
| UK | Sky Sports Premier League |
| USA | NBC Sports / Peacock |
| Canada | Fubo Canada |
| Australia | Optus Sport |
| Nigeria | Check local Premier League broadcast listings |
Manchester City are unbeaten in their previous 14 Premier League home meetings with Sunderland, while the Black Cats have never won at the Etihad.
