The match of the 19th round of the Premier League between Sunderland and Manchester City will take place on January 1 at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland vs Manchester City: prediction, betting odds and statistics.
Sunderland
Sunderland, even after losing a number of key players who went to the Africa Cup of Nations, continue to pick up points in the Premier League. In the last round the club hosted Leeds United and drew 1:1. Interestingly, in the six most recent Premier League matches the home side under Régis Le Bris have suffered just one defeat, which came against Manchester City (2 wins and 3 draws). The team sit in a high 7th place and are 4 points shy of the Champions League places. Also note that Sunderland have conceded only 18 goals, with only two leaders of the table having a better defence.
- The club have not lost in 9 of their previous 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 team have yet to suffer a defeat in the current Premier League season – 5 wins and 4 draws.
Potential Sunderland Lineup (4-2-3-1)*
Robin Rufs – Omar Alderete, Nordi Mukiele, Dennis Serkin, Trey Hume – Christopher Rigg, Granit Xhaka – Enzo Le Fee, Lutsharel Geertruida, Simon Adengra – Brian Brobbey.
Midfielders Bertrand Traoré, Noah Sadiki and Habib Diarra, defenders Arthur Masuaku and Reinildo Mandava, and forward Chemseddine Talbi have gone to the Africa Cup of Nations.
Manchester City
Manchester City, however, have gathered excellent momentum and are on a six-match winning run in the league. In the last round the visitors had a difficult trip to Nottingham Forest, but managed to beat one of the outsiders 2:1. The club remain in second place, two points behind Arsenal. Also only one point separate them from Aston Villa. Manchester City lead the Premier League in goals scored – 43. The club also have the second-best defence in the league – 17 conceded.
- At least three goals have been scored in Manchester City's nine most recent Premier League matches.
- The club have scored at least 3 goals in 7 of their last 9 league matches.
- Away from home the visitors have a run of three Premier League wins.
Potential Manchester City Lineup (3-4-2-1)*
Gianluigi Donnarumma – Mateus Nunes, Ruben Dias, Joško Gvardiol, Nico O’Riley – Nico González, Bernardo Silva, Tijjani Reijnders – Ryan Cherki, Phil Foden – Erling Haaland.
Defender John Stones, as well as midfielders Oscar Bobb, Mateo Kovačić, and forward Jeremy Doku are unavailable through injury. Defender Ryan Ait-Nouri and forward Omar Marmoush have joined their national team.
Referee
Jarred Gillett (Australia)
Matches – 8 (the Premier League, 2025/26);
Yellow/Red Cards Shown (including second yellows) – 29;
Average Yellow/Red Cards Per Match – 3.6;
Straight Red Cards Shown – 1;
Fouls Per Match – 21;
Penalties – 38%.
Sunderland vs Manchester City: Match Prediction
The main question in this confrontation is whether Manchester City will inflict the first defeat on Sunderland at their home in the Premier League this season. We believe that this is quite possible; after all, the hosts are clearly weakened by the absence of a number of key players who are currently at the Africa Cup of Nations. The visitors also have absences for various reasons, but Manchester City's bench is considerably deeper and stronger.
At the same time Sunderland are clearly not going to give up to a renowned opponent. Moreover, the team clearly want to take some revenge for the 0:3 defeat in the first round. Therefore we will prefer a bet on both teams to score. Sunderland are very strong at home and have scored in all home matches of the current championship. Manchester City have excellent momentum and have scored at least two goals in their last six Premier League games. Also note that the visitors have conceded in 6 of their last 8 away Premier League matches.
Our prediction – Both Teams To Score.
Prediction: Both Teams To Score
* For each team the starting lineup in its previous match in this tournament is indicated.