Man City vs Sunderland: Match preview, head-to-head, team news, key players | OneFootball

Manchester City take on Sunderland at Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon, aiming to put more pressure on table-toppers Arsenal.

City almost relinquished a four-goal lead at Fulham on Tuesday but held on to secure a 5-4 victory, keeping their title hopes alive.

Sunderland, on the other hand, put in a stellar defensive performance to hold Liverpool to a 1-1 draw at Anfield.

Match preview

Sunderland are expected to provide a stern test for Man City, given their impressive start to the season and record against the division’s heavyweights.

Sunderland have beaten Chelsea, drawn against Liverpool and Arsenal, but lost to Man United.

The Black Cats restricted Liverpool to 0.60 expected goals (xG) from 23 shots — the Reds’ lowest in a league game since 2022 — and will look to frustrate the Cityzens too with their low block.

Regis Le Bris’s side are also capable of causing City’s leaky defence troubles, particularly from set-pieces.

Man City boast the league’s second-best home record this term, but must be excellent at both ends to record a third consecutive league victory.

Head-to-head

Man City have won eight, drawn one and lost one of their last 10 league meetings with Sunderland. They have not lost at home to them in 27 years.

Team news

Mateo Kovacic is still sidelined 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 of scoring against every team he has faced in the division.

Phil Foden: City’s best player recently, scoring four goals in the last two games.

Sunderland

Granit Xhaka: Leads the squad for most assists (four) and is joint-top for most league goal involvements (five).

Dan Ballard: A threat at set-pieces and the Black Cats’ defensive leader.

Stats from 11v11.com, transfermarkt.com & sofascore.com