Match Overview

Sunderland host Manchester City at the Stadium of Light in a Premier League fixture that pits strong recent home form against a title-chasing visitor. City arrive second in the table on 40 points and in winning rhythm, while Sunderland have been steady at home with results built on intensity and discipline. The last meeting ended 3-0 to City, but the home side will look to tighten up and use the crowd to their advantage. Cool, overcast conditions are expected, with kickoff at 20:00.

• Fixture: Sunderland vs Manchester City
• Competition: Premier League
• Venue: Stadium of Light
• Date: 01-01-2026
• Kickoff: 20:00 GMT / 20:00 UTC

Predicted Lineups

Sunderland

• R. Roefs (Goalkeeper)
• T. Hume (Defender)
• N. Mukiele (Defender)
• D. Ballard (Defender)
• O. Alderete (Defender)
• G. Xhaka (Midfielder)
• E. Le Fee (Midfielder)
• N. Sadiki (Midfielder)
• C. Rigg (Midfielder)
• W. Isidor (Attacker)
• B. Brobbey (Attacker)

Manchester City

• G. Donnarumma (Goalkeeper)
• Rúben Dias (Defender)
• J. Gvardiol (Defender)
• R. Aït-Nouri (Defender)
• A. Husanov (Defender)
• N. O’Reilly (Midfielder)
• Nico González (Midfielder)
• Matheus Nunes (Midfielder)
• P. Foden (Midfielder)
• E. Haaland (Attacker)
• Sávio (Attacker)

Injury & Suspension Report

Sunderland

• D. Ballard – Ankle Injury
• N. Sadiki – International duty
• C. Talbi – International duty
• B. Traore – International duty
• A. Masuaku – International duty
• H. Diarra – International duty
• Reinildo – International duty
• A. Alese – Shoulder Injury

Manchester City

• O. Bobb – Hamstring Injury
• M. Kovačić – Heel Injury
• Omar Marmoush – International duty
• R. Aït-Nouri – International duty
• J. Doku – Leg Injury
• J. Stones – Thigh Injury

Head-to-Head

Recent history leans toward Manchester City. Across 126 meetings, City have 63 wins, Sunderland have 43, and there have been 20 draws. The most recent encounter on December 6 ended 3-0 to City, underlining their recent edge in the fixture.

Match Analysis & Prediction

Sunderland’s home form shows consistency: three wins and two draws at the Stadium of Light, with nine goals across those five fixtures. Their approach has been based on organized pressing and measured transitions, keeping matches tight against comparable opposition. W. Isidor has contributed three goals in eight home games, offering a focal point for direct counters and quick combinations.

Manchester City enter in strong shape with 13 wins from 18 league matches and 12 goals scored in their last five. The 2-1 win at Nottingham reflects their ability to manage games on the road. E. Haaland remains the primary threat with 19 league goals, including 12 away strikes in 15 appearances. Support from P. Foden and Matheus Nunes in advanced areas gives City multiple routes to chance creation.

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City’s pursuit of the top spot sharpens the stakes, while Sunderland’s solid home sequence suggests this will be competitive. Absences for City include O. Bobb, M. Kovačić, J. Doku, and J. Stones, plus international duty considerations, which could test depth in certain zones. Even so, City’s recent scoring run and Haaland’s away record provide a clear attacking edge.

Key battles will hinge on Sunderland’s midfield balance, with G. Xhaka and E. Le Fee needing to slow City’s tempo and protect the back line. If Sunderland can compress space between the lines and find Isidor and B. Brobbey early in transition, the hosts can create moments. Conversely, City’s back four led by Rúben Dias and J. Gvardiol, combined with Foden’s movement between the lines, should sustain pressure and tilt territory in the visitors’ favor.

Prediction: Manchester City to edge a tight match. Sunderland’s home resilience suggests they will compete, but City’s attacking efficiency points to a 2-1 away win.