Manchester City are looking to continue their flawless start to the season in Sunday's Premier League clash against Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium.
The Black Cats arrive in Manchester following their first European victory in nearly 50 years, with Enzo Le Fee's penalty securing a win over Dutch side AZ in the opening round of the Europa League.
The Citizens, meanwhile, have been hard at work during the week. After triumphing over Porto in the Champions League and dominating their local derby, Enzo Maresca's men thrashed Norwich 5-0 in the League Cup. City have won all six matches since the Community Shield, including four in the league, and they find themselves neck and neck with reigning champions Arsenal. The Gunners, incidentally, defeated Sunderland 2-0 at the Stadium of Light last weekend.
Citzens intent on keeping their perfect record
Last week, City secured a somewhat uncharacteristic victory. Phil Foden's red card forced the players to dig deep in the derby, but they managed to hold their ground, clinching a controversial win thanks to a goal from Erling Haaland.
Under Maresca's stewardship, the team has started brilliantly, but the Italian believes they are yet to face their toughest challenge of the season.
I know how strong they are, and I feel that on Sunday we need to put on our best performance to win; we must give our all.
For Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris, this match will mark his hundredth in charge. A potential victory for the Black Cats would be the club's most impressive since their return to the top flight.
History and Haaland's personal target
Historically, the Citizens have dominated this fixture. Manchester City haven't lost to Sunderland in their last 11 encounters, and the Black Cats last claimed victory at the Etihad in 1998 when both teams were in the second division. In fact, they have never won at the Etihad.
Goal machine Erling Haaland is on the hunt for another Golden Boot, but he also has a personal incentive. Sunderland are the only club in the current Premier League that the Norwegian has yet to score against. This season, he also has the chance to add to his tally against newly promoted sides: Coventry and Hull City. It's anticipated that Maresca's lads will secure a routine win, with a prediction of 2-0.
