Manchester City vs. Sunderland Lineups & Confirmed Team News for Premier League Match

Manchester City host Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium today, Sunday, in Matchweek 5 of the 2026/27 Premier League season. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. BST (9:00 a.m. ET in the USA).

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Manchester City have won their opening four Premier League matches under new manager Enzo Maresca and will look to make it five consecutive league victories before the international break. Sunderland, meanwhile, have collected four points from their first four games and arrive after a 1–0 Europa League victory over AZ Alkmaar.

City also come into the game after making wholesale changes for their 5–0 Carabao Cup victory over Norwich City on Thursday. Maresca is expected to restore most of his regular starters for the Sunderland clash

Manchester City vs. Sunderland Predicted Lineups

Manchester City Lineup vs. Sunderland

• Donnarumma
• Nunes, Guéhi, Dias, Gvardiol
• Anderson, Fernández
• Ndiaye, Cherki, Semenyo
• Haaland

Maresca made 10 changes for the midweek Carabao Cup win over Norwich, giving several first-team players a rest. Donnarumma, Haaland and other senior players are expected to return to the starting XI against Sunderland.

Jeremy Doku is the main fitness question for City. The Belgian winger has not played competitively since suffering a calf problem in the Community Shield, but Maresca said before the match that he was hopeful Doku would be available. The latest reports suggest he could return to the squad, potentially from the bench.

Phil Foden is suspended after being sent off against Manchester United and will serve the second match of his three-game suspension.

Sunderland Lineup vs. Manchester City

• Robin Roefs
• Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Hume
• Meunier, Le Fée, Xhaka, Sadiki, Fofana
• Brobbe

Sunderland are expected to make several changes after their Europa League victory over AZ Alkmaar in midweek. Thomas Meunier, Brian Brobbey and Angulo are among the players who could return to the starting XI.

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Reinildo is suspended after receiving a second yellow card during Sunderland’s defeat to Arsenal. Dayann Methalie is therefore expected to have an opportunity at left-back.

Omar Alderete is a major doubt after being substituted during the 1–0 Europa League win over AZ Alkmaar because of a muscle problem. Daniel Ballard is expected to start regardless of Alderete’s fitness.

Habib Diarra remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Romaine Mundle is expected to be out for several months after undergoing surgery on a serious knee injury.

Manchester City vs. Sunderland Team News

Manchester City enter the match with a relatively strong squad after rotating heavily in midweek. The main confirmed absence is Foden through suspension, while Doku’s availability remains the principal fitness question.

Sunderland have a more complicated defensive situation. Reinildo is definitely unavailable through suspension, Alderete is doubtful, and Diarra and Mundle remain out through injury.

The Black Cats will also be managing their squad after their historic return to European competition. Sunderland defeated AZ Alkmaar 1–0 on Wednesday, with Enzo Le Fée scoring the decisive penalty.

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This story was originally published September 20, 2026 at 7:00 AM.