Sunderland travel to face Manchester City this weekend, a major test of their recent Premier League form. The Black Cats sit 14th in the table with four points from four games, eight points behind leaders Arsenal.
Their last outing was a 1-0 home victory over AZ Alkmaar, secured by an Enzo Le Fée penalty in the 66th minute. That result continued a mixed run of three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five matches across all competitions. The win against Alkmaar followed a 2-0 home defeat to Arsenal and a 1-0 league win over Hull City.
Manchester City present a formidable challenge, sitting second in the league and having won their last five matches in all competitions without conceding a goal. Their most recent result was a 5-0 demolition of Norwich City. Sunderland's last starting lineup, a 4-2-3-1 formation against Alkmaar, featured Robin Roefs in goal behind a back four of Nordi Mukiele, Kevin Danso, Omar Alderete, and Reinildo Mandava, with Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki in midfield.
The fixture at the Etihad Stadium kicks off at 13:00 UTC on Sunday, 20 September. The team will be aiming to improve a goal difference of minus two, having scored three and conceded five in the league so far.
