Manchester City vs Sunderland Preview: Can Le Bris’ Side Shock the Champions at the Etihad?

Manchester City host Sunderland on Saturday at 15:00, a huge match for both sides which could prove pivotal in the title race and the race for European football.

City are aiming to approach this match with more defensive security, following a nervy 5–4 win against Fulham. This continues a trend of defensive woes for City, who have conceded at least two goals in each of their last four fixtures, despite winning their last two.

Sunderland, meanwhile, hope to build upon an impressive start to the season. They currently sit sixth in the table, only five points behind City. Their strong form includes wins against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and Bournemouth at the Stadium of Light, and they have lost just one match in their last seven. Sunderland also come into the match off the back of another impressive result a 1–1 draw with Liverpool showing they are a team to be feared by all, especially the traditional top six.

City have overwhelmingly dominated previous encounters, winning the last seven meetings consecutively. Sunderland’s last victory in the fixture came in 2013, a narrow 1–0 win in the Premier League.

Uncertainty remains over whether Rodri will be available as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury. Mateo Kovačić is ruled out due to an ankle injury which will sideline him for months, and although no official injury concerns have been raised regarding Nico O’Reilly, he did appear to be in discomfort due to cramp late on against Fulham, which may result in him being rested.

Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris expects to have the vast majority of his squad available. Romaine Mundle returned to action in the match against Bournemouth and was on the bench against Liverpool in their previous fixture. Dennis Cirkin, Leo Hjelde, and Aji Alese have recovered from their respective injuries but remain doubtful of being selected, with none of them making the bench in the last game.