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 produced a strong 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.
The Black Cats will look to frustrate the Cityzens with their low block and exploit their leaky defence, particularly from set-pieces.
Man City boast the league’s second-best home record this term, but must be excellent at both ends of the pitch 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 be without Aji Alese and Habib Diarra.
Key players
Man City
Erling Braut 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.
