Manchester City face Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon, aiming to put more pressure on table leaders Arsenal.
City almost blew a four-goal lead at Fulham on Tuesday, but held on to their lead. secure a 5-4 victorykeeping their title hopes alive.
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Sunderland, on the other hand, put in an excellent defensive performance to hold on. Liverpool draw 1-1 at Anfield.
Match Preview
Sunderland should pose a stern test for Man City, given their impressive start to the season and record against the division’s heavyweights.
Sunderland beat Chelsea, drew against Liverpool and Arsenal, but lost to Man United.
The Black Cats limited Liverpool to 0.60 expected goals (xG) on 23 shots – the Reds lowest in a championship match since 2022 – and will also look to frustrate the Cityzens with their low block.
Régis Le Bris’ team is also capable of causing escape problems in City’s defense, particularly from set pieces.
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Man City have the second-best home record in the league this season, but need to be excellent at both ends to record a third successive league victory.
Face to face
Man City have won eight, drawn one and lost one of their last 10 league meetings with Sunderland. They haven’t lost at home to them in 27 years.
Team News
Mateo Kovacic is still out for City, while it remains to be seen whether Rodri will be fit for this clash.
Sunderland will miss the services of Aji Alese and Habib Diarra.
Key players
Man City
Erling Haaland: Facing Sunderland for the first time, he will hope to continue his record score against each team he competed in the division.
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Phil Foden: City’s best player recently, scoring four goals in the last two games.
Sunderland
Xhaka Granite: He leads the team in most assists (four) and is co-leader in most league goals (five).
Dan Ballard: A threat from set pieces and the defensive leader of the Black Cats.
Statistics from 11v11.com, transfermarkt.com and sofascore.com
