Verdict: Manchester City win & Both teams to score

Best Odds: 2/1

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Hoping to close the gap at the top of the Premier League table, Manchester City will welcome Sunderland to the Etihad on Saturday afternoon.

Manchester City

Starting with the hosts, managing to avoid what would have been an infamous collapse in west London on Tuesday night, Manchester City will be desperate for smoother sailing here. Nevertheless, eventually dragging themselves for a pulsating 5-4 victory away at Fulham, Pep Guardiola’s men have their sights firmly set on recapturing their Premier League crown this season. Signing off November with a 3-2 win at home against relegation scrappers Leeds, Pep Guardiola’s side are enjoying what has been a domestic flurry. Heading into November’s international break with a sensational 3-0 romp against defending champions Liverpool, the former Barcelona boss has seen his squad win four of their previous five Premier League appearances. Knowing the importance of avoiding a potential banana skin here, it should be noted that City have won eight of their last nine showdowns at the Etihad across all competitions.

Manchester City Team News

Dealing with yet another injury setback last month, Manchester City are once again expected to be without midfield talisman and former Ballon d’Or winner Rodri this weekend. Ahead of a quick turnaround on Saturday, the likes of England international John Stones could make a first Premier League start since the end of October.

Breaking a string of records this season and already registering 15 goals in his first 14 Premier League appearances, runaway Golden Boot leaders Erling Haaland will spearhead City’s charge. Likewise, notching consecutive top-flight braces and getting back to his tantalising best, Phil Foden will partner Haaland in the final third.

Sunderland

As for the visitors, while Sunderland might have only mad their iconic Premier League return this season, the Black Cats have embarked on a major fairytale. Only continuing to receive a string of praise from across England’s elite, Regis Le Bris’ men find the mood in their camp at a famous high. Snatching a deserved 1-1 stalemate away at defending champions Liverpool on Wednesday night, the former Lorient boss suddenly has his sights set on booking an astonishing European finish. Landing a 2-1 victory away at Chelsea on October 25th, Sunderland have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous seven consecutive Premier League appearances. Despite being pencilled in as a real underdog in Manchester this weekend, Le Bris’ side are more than capable of asking some serious questions at the Etihad.

Sunderland Team News

Not featuring since the middle of September and still dealing with a long-term groin issue, Sunderland will once again be without summer recruit and former Strasbourg midfielder Habib Diarra. Making a first Premier League appearance at Anfield on Wednesday, skipper Luke O’Nien will be hoping to get some more minutes.

Finding the net in two of his previous four Premier League outings, Dutch international Brian Brobbey should keep his spot leading the line. Making an immediate impact since arriving from Bayer Leverkusen over the summer, ex-Arsenal skipper Granit Xhaka will start in the middle of the park.

Manchester City vs Sunderland Key Factors to Consider

• The last time Manchester City and Sunderland met for a Premier League showdown back in March 2017, Guardiola’s side collected a 2-0 win at the Stadium of Light.
• Man City have won eight of their previous nine appearances at the Etihad across all competitions.
• The record-breaking Erling Haaland has already notched 14 goals in his first 13 Premier League appearances this season.
• Sunderland have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous seven consecutive Premier League appearances.
• The Black Cats have seen five of their last six Premier League showdowns finish with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

Eventually clinging to what was a remarkable 5-4 victory away at Fulham earlier in the week, Manchester City will be desperately hoping for smoother sailing here. However, watching Sunderland grab a deserved point at Anfield on Wednesday, the Black Cats will certainly be relishing another famous day on their travels. Landing a sensational 2-1 win away at Chelsea on October 25th, the Premier League newcomers have already demonstrated that they will be able to test a leaky City defence this weekend.

Verdict: Manchester City win & Both teams to score

Best Odds: 2/1

Bookmaker: Dachbet