lastwordonsports.com

Manchester City vs Sunderland: Team News and Predicted Lineups

Manchester City vs Sunderland

Last Word on Football brings you the latest team news and predicted lineups ahead of the Manchester City vs Sunderland Premier League clash. City come into the game on the back of a controversial win at neighbours Manchester United and a comfortable victory against Norwich City.

Sunderland were unlucky in their defeat to the reigning champions Arsenal last weekend, but in midweek beat AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League.

Manchester City vs Sunderland: Team News and Predicted Lineups for September 20th

Date: Sunday 20th September 2026

Venue: Etihad Stadium

Kick-off: 14:00 GMT

Referee: Rob Jones

Current odds: Manchester City 2/7, Sunderland 8/1, Draw 9/2

Manchester City Team News

Phil Foden's red card at Manchester United

Phil Foden of Manchester City looks on after getting sent off – Credit IMAGO / Sportimage

Phil Foden’s controversial red card at Old Trafford keeps him out of this game as he begins his three-match suspension. Jeremy Doku remains a doubt; however, he could feature on the bench.

Enzo Maresca rang the changes in midweek against Norwich City in the Carabao Cup, but is likely to return to a tried and tested Premier League side.

“I have the feeling that the Sunderland game will be the toughest game since we started the season. But in front of our fans, it’s always nice and special to play, so much better to play here than away.”

Enzo Maresca

Sunderland Team News

Dayann Methalie

Dayann Methalie could replace Reinildo at Man City – Credit IMAGO / Every Second Media

The Black Cats will be without the injured duo of midfielder Habib Diarra and winger Romain Mundle. Left-back Reinildo will also be missing following his two yellow cards against Arsenal. Summer signing Dayann Methalie is expected to deputise. Deadline day signing Juan Riquelme Angulo won’t be involved. The highly-rated 18-year-old began training this week and was part of the U21’s on Friday night as he continues to integrate with the squad.

“Arsenal, AZ Alkmaar and now Man City. This is exactly what we want to play and we need to embrace the challenge. We are getting better game by game.”

Regis Le Bris

Manchester City vs Sunderland Predicted Lineups

Manchester City

Donnarumma

Nunes

Guehi

Dias

Gvardiol

Anderson

Fernandez

Ndiaye

Cherki

Semenyo

Haaland

Sunderland

Roefs

Mukiele

Ballard

Danso

Mathalie

Xhaka

Sadiki

Le Fee

Meunier

Fofana

Brobbey

The Last Word: Manchester City vs Sunderland Match Prediction

City will be the favourites here and will be expected to claim their fifth league win of the season, despite Enzo Maresca claiming that this will be their toughest test so far. On the back of their historic night against AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League in midweek, Sunderland will be full of confidence and will no doubt make this an uncomfortable afternoon for their hosts. City’s firepower should be enough to claim the three points; however, if the Black Cats can find their shooting boots, this may be far from a clear-cut victory for the home side.

Prediction: Manchester City 2-2 Sunderland