Manchester City rivals: Which EPL club poses biggest threat to title push?

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 15: The Manchester City team line up prior to the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg match between Manchester City FC and FC Dynamo Kyiv at the Etihad Stadium on March 15, 2016 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /

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SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – AUGUST 10: Lamine Kone (L) during a Sunderland AFC training session at The Academy of Light on August 10, 2016 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images) /

16) Sunderland

Manager Sam Allardyce left the Black Cats, lured away to take command of the English national team. He did enough to see perennial Premier League bottom dweller through to see one more go-around in the top flight. It’s unclear if David Moyes can do the same. It’s likely to take some time for Moyes to get his bearings, and sooner the better or a drop for Sunderland might be unavoidable.

As Manchester City’s first match prior to a midweek Champions League tie against Steaua Bucharest, Sunderland presents a unique challenge for the Blues. Resting players for the Champions League draw might cause an unwanted result, kicking off City’s title quest in ho-hum fashion.

Next: No. 15 Middlesbrough