Name: Manchester City
Formed: 1880
Manager: Pep Guardiola
Stadium: Etihad Stadium
Capacity: 55,097
Last season: 4th
In chronological order, safc.com take a look at Sunderland’s opponents during the 2016-17 Premier League season.
Up first is an insight into a new-look Manchester City outfit who will be managed by Barcelona legend Pep Guardiola.
The Spaniard departed Bayern Munich following the end of the 2015-16 campaign, ending his three-year spell at the Allianz Arena during which time he won three Bundesliga titles, two DFB-Pokal Cups and the UEFA Super Cup.
Quite the pedigree for a 45-year-old, Guardiola’s spell at Barcelona between 2008 and 2012 was even better as he guided the Catalans to three league titles, two Copa del Rey wins and two UEFA Champions League triumphs.
As a player the all-conquering boss won six league titles, two Copa de Rey’s, the European Cup, the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup and much more.
Accolades with Manchester City are seemingly inevitable.
Finishing fourth in the Premier League last season, Guardiola has already begun to revamp the City squad with two high-profile signings in the form of Ikay Gundogan and Noliton.
Gundogan, 25, was the midfield hub for Sunderland’s pre-season opponents Borussia Dortmund, playing a key role as the club won the Bundesliga in 2012 and reached the UEFA Champions League final in 2013.
And Nolito, who enjoyed a brief spell with Barcelona under Guardiola, arrives at the Etihad Stadium following a scintillating three-year spell with Celta Vigo which included 39 goals in 100 league appearances.
Joining the likes of Vincent Kompany, David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero, Guardiola’s City are not only expected to compete for the title but to win it.