Manchester City will be looking to keep pace with Premier League leaders Arsenal when they host Sunderland at the Etihad on Saturday afternoon (3pm).
Man City head into gameweek 15 in 2nd spot, five points behind the Gunners. Pep Guardiola’s side have won four of their last five, including a wild 5-4 victory at Fulham in midweek, but now face a tricky test against this season’s surprise package, Sunderland (6th), who were unlucky not to leave Anfield with all three points last time out.
Manchester City predicted lineup vs Sunderland
Man City (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Gonzalez, Reijnders, Cherki; Foden, Haaland, Doku.
Manchester City team news vs Sunderland
Guardiola will be looking for his side to cut out the errors and defensive vulnerability having conceded six goals in their last two games against Leeds and Fulham.
The Spaniard could therefore look to make changes at the back with Matheus Nunes’ position under threat at right-back.
Rodri and Mateo Kovacic are still on the sidelines, meaning Nico Gonzalez should retain his place in midfield. Guardiola will need to decide whether he sticks with Bernardo Silva and Tijjani Reijnders or instead looks to freshen things up. Savinho or Rayan Cherki will both be pushing for a start.
Erling Haaland will lead the line in attack with the in-form Foden to his right and Jeremy Doku on the left.
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Can Phil Foden continue his stunning form?
Phil Foden has burst into life in the last two games, bagging a brace in the 3-2 win against Leeds and the 5-4 victory at Fulham.
The 25-year-old had previously failed to shine in front of goal, netting just once in his prior 10 league appearances this season. However, he’s suddenly found form and will head into Saturday’s game with high hopes of scoring for the third game in a row.
Goals haven’t been a problem for the Cityzens this season, having thundered in a league-high 32 in 14 matches. Erling Haaland has contributed 15 of these and celebrated his 100th league goal against Fulham.
It’s down at the other end of the pitch where City have notably struggled. Guardiola’s troops leaked four goals away to Fulham midweek, and two at home to Leeds last weekend. They’ve kept just one clean sheet in their last six games and face a dangerous Sunderland side, who have held Arsenal and Liverpool to score draws in recent weeks.