English Premier League elites will go head-to-head on Wednesday, as no.3 Manchester City battle against battle-tested Sunderland at Stadium of Light while pace-setter Chelsea take on Tottenham Hotspurs at Stamford Bridge.

Manchester City vs. Sunderland (2:45 p.m US Eastern Time/ Live Stream on NBC Sports Extra & Sports Stream/ Highlights & Game Stats)

Manchester City has been on a roll the past few games thanks to superb performance from Argentine goal-machine Sergio Aguero, who already netted a team-high 12 goals this season.

Coming off a resounding 3-0 victory over Southampton, Man City will try to add another win and continue their rise on the English Premier League standings against a team that has given troubles as of late, Sunderland.

Headed by Gus Poyet, Sunderland has become an underrated but feisty opponents against elite teams for the past couple of seasons. The Black Cats defeated the Wearside four consecutive times already on their home turf, and on Sunday, Poyet's guys will look to another major win after playing to a scoreless draw against league-leader Chelsea at Stadium of Light on Saturday.

"There is a mentality sometimes that when you play against the top teams, before you start the game you accept that if you lose nothing will happen," Poyet told the press a day after they clash against Manchester City.

"I don't think that's right - I don't think you are playing to the maximum if you accept that before the game. I think you have to be clear that it is going to be more difficult, but you will have a chance."

Meanwhile, Manchester City will head into the field sans the service of premier defensive back Vincent Company, who suffered a hamstring injury in their victory over Southampton last Sunday.

Right-back Bacary Sagna and Dedryck Boyata could be featured in Pelligrini's starting XI, while Martin Demichelis could also see more action to fill the void left by Manchester City captain.

Chelsea vs. Tottenham (2:45 US Eastern Time / Live Stream on NBC Sports Extra & Sports Stream/ Highlights & Game Stats).

Meanwhile, Chelsea will attempt to get back into the winning column as they play host to Tottenham Hotspur. Jose Mourinho was furious after seeing squad play to a scoreless effort against a tough Sunderland defense, so expect Didier Drogba, Diego Costa and the rest of the Blues star-studded attacking unit to bring their A-game on the pitch.

Tottenham has racked up three consecutive victories in all competitions without the service of striker Harry Kane, who believes a win over the EPL-leader will even boost the momentum upward for his team.

"We're full of confidence. Obviously we are coming off three wins in a row now in all competitions, so we'll take that confidence into the game on Wednesday," Kane said ahead of Tottenham vs. Chelsea showdown.

"We're looking to get the result. Chelsea are going to be trying to do the same at home, but they are missing their main man up front. So they have to change a few things, and we're feeling good.