Manchester City look to consolidate their Premier League title challenge against Sunderland.
Having regained top spot on goal difference following Arsenal’s shock defeat at Brighton, Man City will go into the international break with a three-point lead if they win this fixture.
A draw or defeat by an one-goal margin would also see them stay top.
Sunderland meanwhile can go ninth with a win.
Team News
Jeremy Doku could return for Man City after a calf injury kept him out for the past month since their FA Community Shield defeat to Arsenal.
Phil Foden remains suspended.
Sunderland will be without Reinildo as he serves a domestic suspension following his red card in a 2-0 home defeat against Arsenal, although he was involved in their midweek Europa League win over AZ Alkmaar.
Omar Alderete is a doubt after he suffered a muscle injury during the latter game but will be handed a late fitness check.
Habib Diarra (hamstring) and Romaine Mundle (knee) remain ruled out.
When is Kick-Off?
Man City host Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday 20 September at 2pm BST, live on Sky Sports Premier League in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Man City are unbeaten in their last nine Premier League meetings against Sunderland (W7, D2).
- Sunderland are yet to win away at Man City in the Premier League (D2, L12),
- City have conceded just one goal in their last five league meetings against Sunderland.
- Three of City’s four league wins this season have been settled by one-goal margins.
- Sunderland have conceded first in each of their two top-flight away games this season (D1, L1).
Prediction
With several regulars rested for their 5-0 Carabao Cup demolition of Norwich, Man City should be fully fresh and ready to capitalise on Arsenal’s shock defeat with a strong performance but they have to be more clinical than they were in their last league outing which saw them win 1-0 at Manchester United.
Sunderland meanwhile produced a robust defensive display to keep AZ Alkmaar out but up front, their end product absolutely needs to be sharper and composed because they really should of won that match by a larger margin, which is a concern as they can’t waste chances here.
Although I hope that Sunderland give City a good fight, I just think that the hosts will be too strong here.
Prediction: Man City 2-0 Sunderland
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