SOCCER: Rodri returns as Man City seek ninth straight win

Manchester City midfielder Rodri is set to return after recovering from a hamstring injury, as the team aims to maintain pressure on Premier League leaders Arsenal during their match at Sunderland, manager Pep Guardiola confirmed on the eve of the encounter on December 31.

Winger Jeremy Doku, sidelined for nearly three weeks with a leg injury, could also feature as City chase their ninth consecutive win in all competitions. However, John Stones and Oscar Bobb are still not fit to play.

City previously defeated Sunderland 3-0 at home earlier this month, but Guardiola cautioned against underestimating the seventh-placed team, especially in an away fixture.

-Production: Stefan Haskins/Reuters