'/%3e%3cdefs%3e%3clinearGradient%20id='prefix__paint0_linear_4737_37157'%20x1='3.018'%20y1='23.6'%20x2='44.925'%20y2='24.977'%20gradientUnits='userSpaceOnUse'%3e%3cstop%20stop-color='%231CB7FF'/%3e%3cstop%20offset='.502'%20stop-color='%232FF58B'/%3e%3c/linearGradient%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Nunes, Anderson And Haaland To Start | 4-2-3-1 Manchester City Predicted Lineup Vs Sunderland
Sep 18 2026 20:49 · By onefootball.com · 1 Reads
Manchester City will entertain Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium this Sunday as they look to secure a good result at home in the Premier League. The Mancunian club managed to earn a dominant 5-0 win over Norwich City earlier this week, which should keep them in good spirits ahead of this game.
Enzo Maresca will set his men up in a 4-2-3-1 formation and is expected to make a lot of changes to his first team for this clash. Matheus Nunes, Elliot Anderson and Erling Haaland could all play from the start of this game.
4-2-3-1 Manchester City Predicted Lineup To Face Sunderland
Defence
Gianluigi Donnarumma will operate in between the sticks for the Mancunian club after being rested in midweek. Marc Guehi will resume his partnership with Ruben Dias at the centre of the Man City backline as they look to keep a good shape on the defensive end of the field.
Matheus Nunes will hope to prove his value as the right-back, while Josko Gvardiol looks to give a good account of himself on the other side as the left-back. Both of them will get the freedom to go forward and express themselves inside the opponent’s half.
Abdukodir Khusanov will offer cover for the defensive positions on the bench.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 17: Enzo Maresca, Manager of Manchester City, reacts during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Manchester City and Norwich City at Etihad Stadium on September 17, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Midfield
Enzo Fernandez and Elliot Anderson will anchor the midfield for Man City as they focus on winning the 50-50 battles at the centre of the park and engineer some decent chances in the final third.
The gifted trio of Iliman Ndiaye, Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo will operate just ahead of them as part of Maresca’s attack. All three of them need to be at their best if the Mancunian giants are to secure a convincing win this Sunday.
Mateo Kovacic and Rayan Ait-Nouri will have to be content with a spot on the bench as they await their chance to shine in the second 45 minutes if needed.
Attack
Erling Haaland will spearhead Maresca’s attack up top. He would be eager to get his name on the scoresheet after being rested in midweek.
Allan will make up the numbers on the bench and might come on to influence the game in the final quarter if Man City are in need of a goal.