Manchester City face Sunderland for the first time in almost nine years when the Black Cats visit the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The two sides last locked horns in Pep Guardiola’s debut season in the Premier League, with the Spaniard toppling the Wearsiders in his first competitive outing in charge and then again at the Stadium of Light later in the campaign. Much has changed since then, although John Stones is still patrolling Man City’s defence.
This Sunderland side are expected to offer far greater resistance than David Moyes’ strugglers, with the newly promoted outfit currently sat in sixth place having taken points off Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea already this term. But City, with their immense attacking firepower, will be expected to inflict defeat on their visitors regardless.
Guardiola has several selection dilemmas at the end of a hectic week which has involved 3–2 and 5–4 wins over Leeds United and Fulham respectively, with one or two alterations likely for Sunderland’s visit.
Here’s how Man City could line up at the Etihad Stadium.
Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Sunderland (4-1-4-1)
GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma—Despite his gigantic frame, Donnarumma has never been much good at dealing with testing crosses. That flaw has been exposed in recent weeks and it’s something Sunderland would be wise to exploit.
RB: Matheus Nunes—Nunes has left much to be desired during recent performances as City’s need for an orthodox right back is underscored. However, Guardiola seemingly has faith in the Portugal international, who appears likely to start again.
CB: Rúben Dias—Even the composure and leadership of Dias couldn’t prevent Tuesday’s trip to Fulham from descending into chaos. He made up part of an uncertain defence that almost surrendered a four-goal cushion.
CB: Joško Gvardiol—Gvardiol was similarly helpless to deny Fulham‘s remarkable comeback and will be put to the test by Wilson Isidor and/or Brian Brobbey, both of whom boast the speed and physicality to cause the Croatian issues.
LB: Rayan Aït-Nouri—Guardiola hinted at a rest for young Nico O’Reilly during his pre-match press conference and that could result in a start for summer recruit Rayan Aït-Nouri. The Algerian’s early season injury has seen him slide down the pecking order.
DM: Nico González—The absence of Rodri, and to a lesser extent Mateo Kovačić, continues to be felt in the midfield as City’s defence is left exposed. Nico simply isn’t as good as his Ballon d’Or-winning compatriot.
RM: Rayan Cherki—Bernardo Silva struggled against Fulham and that could force a tactical reshuffle. Cherki is long overdue a start given the impact he regularly makes from the bench and he could line up on City’s right.
CM: Tijjani Reijnders—Ended his lengthy goal drought midweek as he produced a delicate dink to double City’s lead in the first half. Guardiola needs more attacking threat from the silky Dutchman.
CM: Phil Foden—Foden has rediscovered his mojo with back-to-back braces as he seeks to replicate his 2023–24 form. The England international, whether operating out wide or centrally, is simply unstoppable when at his best.
LM: Jérémy Doku—After a surprisingly tame outing against Leeds, Doku came roaring back midweek. He was involved in two of City’s five goals as he caused all manner of issues for Fulham right backs Kenny Tete and Timothy Castagne.
READ THE LATEST MAN CITY NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS AND MORE
This article was originally published on www.si.com as Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Sunderland: Haaland, Foden to Sparkle Again.
