Pep Guardiola will take charge of his first competitive game as Manchester City manager when his side host Sunderland in their Premier League opener.
The Black Cats have also appointed a new figurehead in David Moyes, after Sam Allardyce left the post to take charge of the England national team. The former Manchester United manager will be keen to put his disastrous spell at Old Trafford behind him as he begins a new chapter in the Premier League.
Both teams have completed majority of their transfer business, with a few more names expected to be added before the window closes.
Key Battle –Sergio Aguero vs Lamine Kone
Sergio Aguero has failed to disappoint yet during his time in Sky Blue. The Argentine has regularly knocked in the goals, becoming one of the most consistent strikers in the Premier League over the last five seasons. The 28-year-old has rarely required time to settle and is usually off the mark within the opening weeks. A more attacking style of play under Guardiola can see the former Atletico hitman flourish, with another 20-goal season expected.
Lamine Kone only arrived at Sunderland at the start of the year but has quickly cemented his place in the starting XI, while also becoming a fan favourite at the Stadium of light. In the 15 league games that he appeared in last season, the 27-year-old was involved in three goals and also assured up a leaky Black Cats defence. Despite being heavily linked with a move away, Moyes will be eager to keep hold of Kone, who is arguably the best defender he has at his disposal.
It will be an enticing contest between striker and defender, as both teams aim to begin the 2016-17 campaign on a high note.
Team News
Pep Guardiola has a near complete squad to choose from, barring Vincent Kompany and new signing Ilkay Gundogan who are sidelined with injury. Kevin De Bruyne is also expected to sit out due to a lack of match fitness.
David Moyes is likely to travel to Manchester without Jermaine Defoe after he sustained a preseason injury, while Jan Kirchhoff, Billy Jones and Sebastian Larsson also remain in doubt.
Head-to-head
Of the 143 games played between the two sides in all competitions, Manchester City have won 68 of them and the Black Cats have succeeded on 50 occasions, while the remaining 25 games have ended in draws. The last five meetings have seen City claim victory, with Sunderland last claiming the rewards in November 2013
Previous Meeting
The sides last met in the league at the start of this year, where Aguero scored the game’s only goal to give City the three points at the Stadium of Light.
Prediction
There is little doubting the fact that City will run out comfortable victors in this opening fixture. Although both teams have new managers in place, one can count on the experience and ability of Guardiola to guide his team to three points.
Manchester City 3 Sunderland 0
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