Man City vs Sunderland LIVE Early team news and score updates from Premier League clash

Hello and welcome to our coverage of Manchester City's Premier League game with Sunderland.

Pep Guardiola's side have won their last two games but despite the six points, concerns have emerged over the Blues defensive issues having shipped two to Leeds United a week ago and four at Fulham on Tuesday night.

City led 2-0 and 5-1 in those games but needed a last gasp winner to down Leeds and were holding on in the closing stages at Craven Cottage in midweek.

Sunderland arrive at the Etihad buoyed by a fine start to life in the Premier League and having picked up a point at Liverpool on Wednesday night.

City remain without Rodri and Mateo Kovacic but otherwise have a fully fit squad to choose from. We will bring you all the build-up, action, reaction and analysis so stay with us this afternoon.

City might have won their last two fixtures but the performances have arguably raised more questions than answers.

Pep Guardiola was keen to point out the positives in his press conference on Friday when he spoke of the eight goals scored and the six points collected.

But defensively City have been found wanting and their ability to manage a game when ahead in the second half has been a trend.

Today’s opponents have bloodied the noses of plenty on their return to the top flight and will fancy their chances of causing a shock this afternoon.

It's a shocker of a day out there. Wet and wild. Let's hope City can bring some sunshine into it with a win and a positive performance against Sunderland.

The Blues are five points adrift of Arsenal at the top of the table and the Gunners are in action in the early kick off against Aston Villa. What happens in the Midlands could shape the afternoon for Pep Guardiola's side but either way a