2026-2027 Premier League: Manchester City vs. Sunderland—Probable Lineups

Manchester City and Sunderland take the field at 3 p.m. for their Premier League Matchday 5 clash. Maresca’s team has an important opportunity: to capitalize on Arsenal’s heavy defeat at Brighton to extend their lead to +3 at the top of the standings. Sunderland currently sits in 14th place and is coming off a home loss to the Gunners.

Haaland is City’s center forward, with Semenyo, Cherki, and Ndiaye playing behind him. In midfield, Enzo Fernández partners with Anderson. In front of Donnarumma, a back four featuring Nunes, Ruben Dias, Guehi, and Gvardiol.

The visitors will have Brobbey as their focal point, with Meunier, Le Fee, and Angulo in the attacking midfield. In midfield, Xhaka will partner with Sadiki.

Manchester City vs. Sunderland: Probable Lineups
Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Donnarumma; Nunes, Ruben Dias, Guehi, Gvardiol; Fernandez, Anderson; Semenyo, Cherki, Ndiaye; Haaland. Coach: Maresca.
Sunderland (4-2-3-1): Roefs; Mukiele, Danso, Ballard, Methalie; Xhaka, Sadiki; Meunier, Le Fee, Angulo; Brobbey. Coach: Le Bris.

Maresca warned his team: “I’ve been watching them over the last two days, reviewing three or four games. I know them; I know how strong they are, and I have a feeling it will take a top-notch performance to beat them—we’ll have to be at 100% to win. I watched the match against Arsenal live and have rewatched it over the past two days: watching them, you realize just how strong they are. Personally, I don’t think they deserved to lose that game.”

“They’re a very strong and well-coached team. They’ve been playing together for a while now, and you can clearly see what they’re trying to do, both when they have the ball and when they don’t. I have a feeling that Sunday’s game will be the toughest one since the start of the season.”