Sunderland vs Manchester City Preview & Prediction

Premier League New Year’s Day Clash at the Stadium of Light

Sunderland vs Manchester City Preview & Prediction The Premier League begins 2026 with a compelling encounter as Sunderland host Manchester City at the Stadium of Light on Thursday, 1 January 2026. This New Year’s Day fixture brings together a fearless promoted side and a title-chasing giant, offering one of the most intriguing matchups of the festive schedule.

Sunderland, currently seventh in the Premier League, are unbeaten at home this season and have already taken points from elite opponents such as Arsenal and Liverpool. Manchester City, sitting second in the table, arrive on an eight-match winning streak across all competitions and are aiming to reduce the gap to league leaders Arsenal to just two points.

For fans searching “Sunderland vs Manchester City prediction” or “Premier League New Year’s Day fixtures”, this clash delivers a fascinating mix of form, tactics and narrative.

Match Details

Sunderland vs Manchester City Preview & Prediction

When and Where Is Sunderland vs Manchester City?

Date: Thursday, 1 January 2026
Kick-off: 8:00 PM GMT
Venue: Stadium of Light, Sunderland
TV Coverage (UK): Sky Sports Main Event & Sky Sports Premier League
Referee: To be confirmed

Sunderland come into the match after a 1–1 draw with Leeds United, extending their unbeaten home run. Manchester City edged past Nottingham Forest in their previous outing, maintaining relentless pressure at the top of the table.

Match Overview

Sunderland’s Home Fortress

Under Régis Le Bris, Sunderland have become one of the Premier League’s most organised and difficult teams to break down.

Home record: Unbeaten this season
Defensive strength: Third-fewest goals conceded in the league
Big results: Points taken from Arsenal and Liverpool

Despite limited squad depth, Sunderland’s compact structure and disciplined pressing have consistently frustrated higher-ranked opponents.

Manchester City’s Title Push

Manchester City remain firmly in the title race, combining control, depth and ruthless efficiency.

League position: 2nd
Current form: Eight consecutive wins
Goalscorer in focus: Erling Haaland (19 league goals)

Pep Guardiola’s side continue to dominate possession and create high-quality chances, even while managing injuries and international absences.

Team News & Injury Updates

Sunderland Team News

Sunderland are among the teams most affected by the Africa Cup of Nations, with several absentees:

Reinildo Mandava & Arthur Masuaku – AFCON
Dan Ballard – ankle injury
Omar Alderete – unavailable
Noah Sadiki & Habib Diarra – unavailable

There is positive news, however, as Luke O’Nien returns from suspension, strengthening the defensive unit. In attack, Simon Adingra and Brian Brobbey remain key outlets, while Enzo Le Fée provides creativity from midfield.

Manchester City Team News

Pep Guardiola continues to juggle absences but welcomes some stability:

John Stones, Oscar Bobb, Mateo Kovačić – injured
Rayan Aït-Nouri & Omar Marmoush – AFCON
Jeremy Doku – doubt
Rodri – may return with limited minutes

Rayan Cherki has been in excellent form, contributing goals and assists, while Phil Foden and Tijjani Reijnders offer energy and control in midfield.

Predicted Line-ups

Sunderland (4-2-3-1)

Roefs;
Hume, Mukiele, Alderete, Cirkin;
Xhaka, Geertruida;
Rigg, Le Fée, Adingra;
Brobbey

Manchester City (4-3-3)

Donnarumma;
Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly;
Silva, Reijnders, González;
Cherki, Haaland, Foden

These formations underline Sunderland’s compact, counter-attacking approach against City’s possession-dominant system.

Key Players to Watch

Sunderland

Simon Adingra: Pace and direct running on the counter
Enzo Le Fée: Creative spark capable of unlocking City’s defensive lines

Manchester City

Erling Haaland: League top scorer with 19 goals
Rayan Cherki: Creative hub, heavily involved in recent goals
Phil Foden: Intelligent movement between the lines

Individual battles in midfield and transition moments could be decisive.

Head-to-Head Record

Manchester City have dominated this fixture in recent years:

Last 7 Premier League meetings: Manchester City wins
Reverse fixture (2025/26): Manchester City 3–0 Sunderland
Last Sunderland home win vs City: 2012 (1–0, New Year’s Day)

However, Sunderland’s nine-game unbeaten home league run offers genuine hope of resistance.

Sunderland vs Manchester City Prediction

Manchester City are clear favourites on paper, but Sunderland’s defensive organisation and home atmosphere make this a potential test.

Expected pattern: City control possession, Sunderland counter
Key factor: Breaking Sunderland’s low block

Predicted score: Sunderland 1–2 Manchester City

Betting Tips (UK)

Manchester City to win
Erling Haaland anytime goalscorer
Over 2.5 goals
Both Teams to Score – Yes

City’s quality should prevail, but Sunderland are unlikely to go quietly.

Final Thoughts

This New Year’s Day Premier League clash captures everything the league represents: fearless underdogs, title contenders, and tactical battles under the lights. Sunderland will rely on their home resilience, while Manchester City chase momentum in the title race. Drama is almost guaranteed.