Manchester City vs Sunderland: Can Enzo Maresca maintain his winning Premier League start?

Manchester City look to maintain their perfect Premier League record when they welcome Sunderland to the Etihad this weekend, following an impressive derby victory over Manchester United.

Enzo Maresca’s side produced a remarkable performance with 10 men at Old Trafford after Phil Foden was sent off early on.

Despite being a man down, City looked the better side and secured victory through Erling Haaland, although the goal remains controversial following a disputed offside decision in the build-up.

The win made it four victories from four in the Premier League, while City have won every competitive game since their Community Shield defeat to Arsenal.

Their latest success came in the Carabao Cup, where they thrashed Norwich 5–0.

Sunderland arrive with three wins in all competitions, all by a 1–0 score line.

Regis Le Bris’ side have impressed defensively but continue to struggle in front of goal, having failed to score more than once in any game this season.

They beat AZ Alkmaar in midweek to mark their return to European football after 53 years.

The Black Cats have also taken just four points from their opening four league games, with a missed Enzo Le Fee penalty contributing to their defeat against Arsenal.

Head-to-head

Sunderland have never beaten Manchester City at the Etihad, losing seven and drawing two of their nine meetings there. City won 3–0 in this fixture last season, while the most recent meeting ended 0–0 on New Year’s Day.

Sunderland’s last away result against City came in April 2014, when Conor Wickham scored twice in a 2–2 draw.

Team News

Phil Foden will miss out for Manchester City as he begins a three-match suspension following his red card against United.

Iliman Ndiaye is the likely replacement after an impressive second-half appearance at Old Trafford.

Jeremy Doku is “quite close” to returning from a calf injury but may not be ready to start. Enzo Fernandez and Elliot Anderson are expected to continue in midfield, while Rayan Cherki will look to build on his strong start to the season.

Erling Haaland has scored four Premier League goals and six in all competitions so far.

For Sunderland, Reinildo is suspended after his red card against Arsenal.

Dayann Methalie is expected to make his first Premier League appearance in his place.

Habib Diarra remains out until at least mid-October, while Romaine Mundle is sidelined until the new year.

Omar Alderete suffered a minor knock against AZ Alkmaar but should be fit enough for the squad.

Malick Fofana could feature, while Brian Brobbey will be looking to end his wait for a first goal of the campaign.

Predicted Line-ups

Manchester City XI: Donnarumma, Nunes, Guehi, Dias, Gvardiol, Anderson, Fernandez, Cherki, Ndiaye, Semenyo, Haaland

Sunderland XI: Roefs, Mukiele, Methalie, Ballard, Danso, Xhaka, Sadiki, Le Fee, Angulo, Meunier, Brobbey