In search of a positive message to give his beleaguered side, Roberto Mancini can remind them that Manchester City are still unbeaten in the league after six games ahead of welcoming Sunderland to the Etihad Stadium. The problem is a porous defence that has allowed 16 goals in all competitions, the weakness Martin O'Neill will encourage his side to focus on. Last season Sunderland took four points from City, so Mancini will hardly relish taking them on as his men try to claw back Chelsea's early-season lead. Jamie Jackson
Venue Etihad Stadium
Tickets Sold out
Last season Manchester City 3 Sunderland 3
Referee L Probert
This season's matches 4 Y12, R0, 3.00 cards per game
Odds Manchester City 1-4 Sunderland 10-1 Draw 9-2
Man City
Subs from Pantilimon, Nastasic, Milner, García, Kolarov, K Touré, Sinclair, Dzeko, Balotelli, Rodwell, Nimley
Doubtful None
Injured Maicon (foot, 13 Oct), Richards (ankle, 21 Oct), Guidetti (leg, 21 Oct)
Suspended None Form guide WDDWDW
Disciplinary record Y6 R0
Leading scorer Dzeko, Tevez 3
Sunderland