There’s plenty of optimism going into this weekend of games in all corners of the Transfer Tavern, but looking out at the punters, it’s clear that Manchester City supporters are a little more confident about this one than the Black Cats fans.

It’s a big game for both sides as they make their Premier League debuts this season and with the game being held at the Etihad, you could argue that Pep Guardiola’s side have the advantage with the home crowd on their side too.

It looks set to be an interesting season for Guardiola’s new-look City side, who have added the likes of Ilkay Gundogan, Nolito and Leory Sane to his ranks this summer, with John Stones being signed for £47.5million.

Sunderland will have aspirations of their own after making David Moyes their manager this summer and they will look to avoid the trap door with bigger ease than in previous seasons.

So with an interesting tie on the horizon, what can we predict about the game?

Here’s THREE things to look out for in the Manchester City V Sunderland game?

A City side that passes the ball

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In Pep Guardiola, City have a manager that will want their side to pass the ball to victory, not lump it straight up to the strikers.

We saw them struggle to adapt to the philosophy in pre-season this year but expect them to stick at it and master it in a particularly Guardiola style.

Whether they can master it or not, they’ll be playing keep ball.

Sunderland to be gritty and hard-working

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The Black Cats will be a serious unit under David Moyes, who will make them extremely hard to beat.

We saw what sort of a team he crafted at Everton and expect the same in the North East- a team that works hard for each-other for the full ninety minutes.

There has been some criticism in the past regarding past players but expect David Moyes to instil a real sense of discipline in his players.