The 19th-round Premier League match between Sunderland and Manchester City will take place on 1 january at Stadium of Light. Sunderland vs Manchester City: prediction, betting odds and statistics.
Sunderland
Even after losing several key players who went to the Africa Cup of Nations, Sunderland continue to pick up points in the Premier League. In the last round the club hosted Leeds and drew 1:1. Interestingly, in their last six Premier League matches the home side have suffered just one defeat, which came against Manchester City (2 wins and 3 draws). The team sits in a strong 7th place, four points shy of the Champions League places. Also, the club have conceded only 18 goals, and only the two leaders of the competition have a better defence.
- The club has not lost in 9 of its last 11 league matches (4 wins and 5 draws).
- No more than three goals have been scored in Sunderland's last five Premier League matches.
- At home the club has yet to lose in the current Premier League season – 5 wins and 4 draws.
Potential Sunderland Lineup (4-2-3-1)*
Sunderland: Robin Rufs – Omar Alderete, Nordi Mukiele, Dennis Cirkin, Trai Hume – Christopher Rigg, Granit Xhaka – Enzo Le Fee, Lutsharel Geertruida, Simon Adingra – Brian Brobbey.
Bertrand Traoré, Noa Sadiki and Habib Diarra, defenders Arthur Masuaku and Reinildo Mandava, and forward Chemseddine Talbi have left for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Manchester City
Manchester City have hit excellent form and are on a six-match winning run in the league. In the last round the team had a difficult trip to Nottingham Forest, but managed to beat one of the league's outsiders 2:1. The club remain in second place, two points behind Arsenal, with Aston Villa only one point adrift. Manchester City lead the Premier League in goals scored – 43. The club also have the second-best defence in the championship – 17 conceded.
- At least three goals were scored in nine of Manchester City's last Premier League matches.
- The club have scored at least 3 goals in 7 of their last 9 league games.
- On the road Manchester City are on a three-match winning run in the Premier League.
Potential Manchester City Lineup (3-4-2-1)*
Manchester City: Gianluigi Donnarumma – Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Nico O'Reilly – Nico Gonzalez, Bernardo Silva, Tijjani Reijnders – Rayan Cherki, Phil Foden – Erling Haaland.
Defender John Stones, midfielders Oscar Bobb and Mateo Kovacic, and forward Jeremy Doku are unavailable due to injuries. Defender Ryan Ait-Nouri and forward Omar Marmoush have joined their national teams.
Referee
Jarred Gillett (Australia)
Matches – 8 (the Premier League, 2025/26);
Yellow cards (including second yellows) shown – 29;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.6;
Red cards shown – 1;
Fouls per match – 21;
Penalties – 38%.
Sunderland vs Manchester City: Match Prediction
The main question in this matchup is whether Manchester City will inflict Sunderland's first home defeat in the Premier League this season. We believe this is entirely possible — the hosts are clearly weakened by the absence of several key players currently at the Africa Cup of Nations. The visitors also have absences for various reasons, but their bench is much deeper and stronger.
At the same time Sunderland are not going to give up to a high-profile opponent. In addition, the team will be looking for some revenge after the 0:3 defeat in the first meeting. Therefore, we will prefer a bet on both teams to score. Sunderland are very strong at their stadium and have scored in all home matches this season. Manchester City have built up excellent momentum and have scored at least two goals in each of their last six Premier League matches. It is also worth noting that the visitors have conceded in 6 of their last 8 away league games.
Prediction: Both teams to score
* For each team the starting lineup shown is the one from its previous match in this competition.
