Overview
- Kick-off is 20:00 UK on Thursday at the Stadium of Light, with live coverage on Sky Sports Main Event.
- City arrive on six straight Premier League wins and eight in all competitions after a 2-1 victory at Nottingham Forest.
- Newly promoted Sunderland sit seventh and are unbeaten in nine home league games this season.
- Sunderland are without Habib Diarra, Bertrand Traore, Chemsdine Talbi, Noah Sadiki, Arthur Masuaku and Reinildo due to AFCON, with Dan Ballard a doubt and Luke O’Nien suspended.
- Pep Guardiola expects Erling Haaland to lead the line, with Rodri back in the matchday group and Jarred Gillett appointed as referee; City won the reverse fixture 3-0 in December.