Manchester City vs Sunderland prediction

THE FORECAST

Manchester City stands strong with four consecutive league victories and a solid defensive average (0.5 goals conceded per match), but the transfer surplus towards departing players is remarkably large — with the departure of among others Rodri, Stones and Grealish — and Maresca deliberately rotates with only three days rest after the League Cup. Sunderland has six injuries to contend with and is also competing in the Europa League, but may benefit from the expected rotation at City; their attacking power remains limited (0.8 goals per match). The moderate weather conditions are no disadvantage to either team, but City's reduced squad keeps the difference smaller than the standings suggest.