Premier League preview: Manchester City v Sunderland

Sunderland will attempt to halt Manchester City’s home dominance in the English Premier League when the teams meet on Saturday.

City are undefeated in their past 32 league matches at Etihad Stadium but Sunderland stand as one of three sides to have secured a draw against the home side in recent meetings.

Roberto Mancini’s squad has also won just one of their last five games against this weekend’s opponents.

Sunderland go into the match in winning form after they recorded their first victory of the season over Wigan last week, 1-0 at home.

And they will look to rectify their record away from the Stadium of Light after failing to win any of their past ten matches on the road.

Their attacking hopes rest on Steven Fletcher, who has scored five goals from five shots on target this season.

He is the first player to score in his first four Premier League games for a club since Daniel Sturridge’s loan spell at Bolton in 2010/11.

Sunderland’s win over Wigan was their first of the season after draws in their previous four matches, but they are unbeaten in their opening five Premier League/First Division games for the first time since 1954/55.

City meanwhile are undefeated in their past 12 Premier League matches – home and away – and have won nine in that stretch.

The reigning champions sit fourth in the Premier League standings on 12 points, behind leaders Chelsea after their 2-1 victory over Fulham last time out.

City came from behind to win late on at Craven Cottage after substitute Edin Dzeko scored with a powerful finish with three minutes remaining.

The win was City’s first in the Premier League since September 1, when they defeated Queens Park Rangers 3-1.

Striker Carlos Tevez will be looking to increase his goal tally against Sunderland after not scoring for his side since that win over QPR.

Mancini’s men have won three games this season but have so far been unable to record two in succession.

The squad will enter the match on short rest after playing a Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday.

Vice-captain Micah Richards and fullback Maicon are expected to be available for selection for Manchester City, with both returning from ankle injuries.

The last time these teams met was in a thrilling 3-3 draw at Etihad stadium on March 31, when City came from 3-1 down to secure an invaluable point.