Man City vs Sunderland: Team news at 12.45pm as City chase another perfect day at the Etihad
Manchester City welcome Sunderland to the Etihad Stadium this afternoon, with Enzo Maresca's side the only team still perfect in the Premier League following Arsenal's costly defeat to Brighton on Saturday. Team news is expected at 12.45pm.
- Fixture: Manchester City vs Sunderland
- Competition: Premier League
- Venue: Etihad Stadium
- Team news: 12.45pm
- Context: Man City are the only side still perfect in the Premier League after Arsenal lost 3-0 to Brighton
- Head-to-head: Sunderland have not beaten City since 2013
What was said
"Good afternoon from the Etihad. We're in position nice and early today as Man City prepare to face Sunderland as the only side still perfect in the Premier League following Arsenal's costly defeat to Brighton on Saturday."
"An early chance to throw down the gauntlet, then. Enzo Maresca's side have lost just two of their last 30 league outings, in fact, dating back to last season, while Sunderland haven't beaten City since 2013. All roads point to a home win."
"But this is the Premier League. And as yesterday's set of results reminded us, nothing is a forgone conclusion..."
Those pre-match notes frame a clear picture: City are in dominant form under Maresca, with just two defeats in their last 30 league games, and history is firmly on their side against Sunderland. The warning about Saturday's results adds a note of caution, but the underlying message is that this is an opportunity for City to strengthen their grip at the top.
The numbers
- 2 – league defeats for Manchester City in their last 30 outings, dating back to last season
- 2013 – the last year Sunderland beat Manchester City
- 3-0 – Arsenal's defeat to Brighton on Saturday
- 12.45pm – scheduled team news announcement time
Why City's stranglehold on the league makes Sunderland trip a formality — on paper
Manchester City's recent league record under Enzo Maresca is remarkable: just two losses in 30 matches. That sort of consistency, stretching back to last season, explains why they are the only top-flight side yet to drop points this term. The Etihad has been a fortress, and Sunderland arrive with a dismal record against City that stretches back over a decade.
The visitors have not beaten City since 2013, and despite Saturday's reminder that upsets happen — Arsenal's 3-0 reverse at Brighton being the prime example — everything points to a routine home win. Maresca's side will look to dominate possession early, pin Sunderland deep and take the sting out of any lingering hope. The team news at 12.45pm will reveal whether City rotate or stick with the XI that has delivered a perfect start.
For Sunderland, the challenge is psychological as much as tactical. They must break a long-standing hoodoo without the ball for long periods. Any point would be a bonus, but City's quality and confidence make an away victory highly unlikely.
Talking points
- Can Manchester City maintain their 100% start, or will Sunderland spring a surprise reminiscent of Arsenal's Brighton collapse?
- With team news at 12.45pm, will Enzo Maresca rotate his squad or keep faith with the same lineup?
- Sunderland haven't beaten City since 2013 — is this the day that barren run finally ends?
- Should City be considered champions-elect if they win again, or is it too early to talk titles?
What happens next
Team news lands at 12.45pm, followed by kick-off at the Etihad. Three points would extend City's perfect start and pile pressure on rivals, while Sunderland will be desperate to spring a shock and end a 13-year wait for a win over the champions.
Frequently asked questions
What time is Man City vs Sunderland team news?
Team news is expected at 12.45pm.
How many league games have Man City lost in their last 30?
Just two, dating back to last season.
When did Sunderland last beat Manchester City?
Sunderland haven't beaten City since 2013.
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