Thursday was all about Manchester City's youngsters as they made 10 changes against Norwich City, yet still won 5-0 in the EFL Cup third round.
The big boys are expected to return for Sunday's Premier League game at home to Sunderland, who beat AZ Alkmaar 1-0 in the Europa League on Wednesday.
It was the Black Cats' first European fixture since 1973 and confidence will be high when they head to the Etihad in the final batch of fixtures before the international break.
However, since losing 3-0 in the Community Shield to Arsenal, the Citizens have won six in a row in all competitions and kept clean sheets in their last four.
Manchester City v Sunderland Tips Summary
Best Bet - Manchester City to win to nil @ 6/5
Alternative Bet - Erling Haaland first goalscorer @ 12/5
Bet Builder - Rayan Cherki to score or assist, Enzo Le Fee 1+ shots on target & Granit Xhaka: 2+ fouls won @ 31/4
Manchester City v Sunderland Prediction
Best Bet: Manchester City to win to nil @ 6/5
City's victory at Old Trafford may have been controversial, but they deserved the win and dominated the game after Phil Foden's first-half sending-off.
Enzo Maresca will have been pleased to give his players the night off against Norwich in the EFL Cup, but simultaneously delighted by his youngsters' prowess.
The Italian is expected to recall his big shots on Sunday and they can record a routine win, with a repeat of last season's 3-0 at the Etihad priced at 17/2.
City have kept clean sheets in their last four games in all competitions, while both teams have scored in only one of Sunderland's last five in all competitions.
The Black Cats may struggle to rouse themselves after the emotional high of beating AZ and a home win to zero beckons.
Alternative Bet: Erling Haaland first goalscorer @ 12/5
Sunderland are the only current Premier League opponent Erling Haaland has yet to score against, but that could change on Sunday.
The Norwegian has opened the scoring in City's last three league games and, with six goals in his last four outings, he is a sensible play to be the first goalscorer.
Manchester City v Sunderland Bet Builder Tip
Rayan Cherki to score or assist
Enzo Le Fee: 1+ shots on target
Granit Xhaka: 2+ fouls won
Pays 31/4
The one City player who started at Old Trafford and against Norwich was Rayan Cherki. He was sacrificed at half-time against United, but scored in the win over the Canaries and is likely to keep his place.
Cherki is at his best when he has a point to prove and is in excellent form, with two goals and two assists in the Premier League.
Sunderland's main source of inspiration also comes from a Frenchman in the shape of Enzo La Fee.
La Fee had a penalty saved in last Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Arsenal, but responded by keeping his composure to net from 12 yards against AZ.
The 26-year-old has registered 10 shots in the league, with three on target. He can test Gianluigi Donnarumma on Sunday, but with Sunderland likely to be second best for long spells, captain Granit Xhaka's ability to control the game could be vital.
Xhaka excels at drawing fouls and, having won nine free-kicks already this season, two or more is achievable on Sunday.
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Key Match Stats
Manchester City have won their last six games
The Citizens have kept four successive clean sheets
Sunderland failed to score in last season's two meetings - losing 3-0 at the Etihad and drawing 0-0 on Wearside
Erling Haaland is yet to score against Sunderland, but has opened the scoring in City's last three league outings
Rayan Cherki has scored twice and provided two assists in the Premier League
Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has drawn nine fouls this season
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
