Manchester City will look to establish a clear advantage at the summit of the Premier League when they host Sunderland on Sunday. The Citizens have made a strong start to the season, winning all four of their opening league matches and conceding only twice. Erling Haaland has been in impressive form, scoring four league goals so far. A victory would take City to 15 points and give them a three-point cushion over Arsenal before the international break.
Manchester City's opponents, Sunderland, have made a mixed return to the top flight, taking four points from their opening four matches. However, they come into the Etihad Stadium clash on the back of a maiden Europa League victory against AZ Alkmaar in midweek. City will be without Phil Foden through suspension, while Sunderland are missing Reinildo. Doku is a doubt for the hosts.
Arsenal's perfect start to their title defence was brought crashing down by a 3-0 defeat at Brighton on Saturday. Goals from Pascal Gross, Charalampos Kostoulas and Chema Andres condemned the champions to their first league defeat of the season and left City top on goal difference. The Gunners had entered the weekend level on 12 points with City but ahead on goal difference.
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola faces his former club Bournemouth in one of the weekend's most intriguing encounters. Liverpool have collected six points from their opening four league matches, with just one victory, while Bournemouth are still searching for their first league win under Marco Rose. The Cherries have shown enough attacking promise, having led in each of their four matches without converting those advantages into victories.
Iraola's return to Bournemouth adds an emotional dimension to the fixture, but the Liverpool manager will be more concerned with ending his side's inconsistent start. The Reds have struggled away from home, winning only four Premier League matches on the road since last Christmas. Dominik Szoboszlai has been among Liverpool's most consistent performers and will be one of the players expected to provide the cutting edge.
Leeds United will attempt to extend their impressive opening to the season when Crystal Palace visit Elland Road. The newly promoted side are unbeaten after four matches, having taken eight points, and come into the contest on the back of a 4-1 demolition of Newcastle United. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has already scored three league goals for the Whites.
The Sunday programme features four matches, with three kicking off at 2pm before Fulham entertain Manchester United at Craven Cottage at 4.30pm. A win for Manchester City would put them in a strong position at the top of the table, while Liverpool and Leeds will look to build on their recent form.
Key points
- Manchester City can open up a three-point lead at the top of the Premier League with a win against Sunderland.
- Liverpool face a tough test against Bournemouth, who have shown attacking promise.
- Leeds United will look to maintain their unbeaten start against Crystal Palace.
