Sunderland vs Manchester City Prediction & Betting Tips (1 January)

On course for European qualification, Sunderland has an excellent record at mid-season. The promoted side suffered a defeat in the last 6 days, at the beginning of December at Manchester City 3-0, before securing victory in a derby against Newcastle 1-0 and taking a draw against Brighton 0-0 and Leeds 1-1. Sunderland especially surprises by remaining undefeated at home, 5 wins, 4 draws. The Black Cats of French coach Régis Le Bris occupy 7th place in the rankings, 4 points behind the top 4.

Manchester City's objective of the day will be to achieve a 9th victory in a row in all competitions to come back to within 2 points of leader Arsenal. Winner of Sunderland 3-0, Crystal Palace 0-3, West Ham 3-0 and Nottingham Forest 1-2, the runner-up of the Gunners has gained confidence in recent weeks with an iron defense. All the lights are green for the Citizens who moved closer to the round of 16 of the Champions League and reached the last four of the English League Cup thanks to successes obtained respectively against Real Madrid 1-2 and Brentford 2-0 last month. 

Sunderland can once again count on defender O'Nien (substitute) whose suspension has been served. On the other hand, Alese (no match) continues his convalescence when Masuaku (left side), Habib Diarra (middle) and the executives Mandava (left side), Sadiki (middle), Talbi (2 goals, 2 assists in PL) and Bertrand Traoré (1 goal in PL) remain absent because they are involved in the African Cup of Nations with their respective selection. Adingra took advantage of these absences against Leeds to make a second start up front, scoring his first goal of the year on this occasion. Mute since October, the Frenchman Isidor (4 goals in PL) has lost his starting place in attack. The Manchester City infirmary still retains defender Stones, midfielders Rodri and Kovacic, winger Doku (1 goal, 5 assists in PL) and supersub Bobb.

Pep Guardiola will also have to wait before being able to use left back Aït-Nouri (substitute) and Marmoush (no goals in 10 PL matches), still competing in the CAN with their national team. Haaland is one unit away from reaching the 20-goal mark in the Premier League. French international Cherki (1 goal, 6 assists in PL), Foden (7 goals in PL) and Bernardo Silva could surround the top scorer in the Championship while Ruben Dias and Gvardiol provide defense. 

• Summary: Sunderland is going head to head with Manchester City starting on 1 Jan 2026 at 20:00 UTC at Stadium of Light stadium, Sunderland city, England. The match is a part of the Premier League .
• Referee: Jarred Gillett
• Sunderland Feedinco Rating: 6.85
• Manchester City Feedinco Rating: 7.01