Sunderland welcome Manchester City to the Stadium of Light on Thursday, January 1, 2026, for a Premier League clash kicking off at 17:30 GMT. The Black Cats remain unbeaten at home this season and will aim to extend that record against Pep Guardiola’s dominant Cityzens, who are on a six-match league winning streak.
Sunderland have struggled historically against Manchester City, having lost the last eight games across all competitions and not beating City since November 2013. However, SoftFootball reported that the Black Cats’ nine-match unbeaten home run in the league this season gives them confidence.
They have already held Arsenal (2-2) and Aston Villa (1-1) to draws at the Stadium of Light, and recent form, including Sunderland’s 1-0 win over Newcastle, suggests they can challenge the champions once again.
Manchester City arrive in flying form, having won their last six league matches. Their 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest at the weekend showcased their clinical edge, with Rayan Cherki inspiring the victory, as Rayan Cherki inspired Manchester City to a tough win over resilient Nottingham Forest. City also posted highlights of that game on their official YouTube channel, showing their tactical dominance and attacking quality.
Team News
Sunderland are missing several players due to injury or AFCON duty, including Ajibola Alese, Daniel Ballard, Habib Diarra, Bertrand Traore, Chemsdine Talbi, Noah Sadiki, Arthur Masuaku, and Reinildo Mandava. Wilson Isidor is expected to feature off the bench.
Manchester City have fewer absences, with Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait Nouri on AFCON duty, and John Stones, Mateo Kovacic, Jeremy Doku, and Oscar Bobb sidelined due to injury.
Possible Lineups
Sunderland: Roefs; Hume, Mukiele, Alderete, Cirkin; Xhaka, Geertruida; Rigg, Le Fee, Adingra; Brobbey.
Manchester City: Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Silva, Gonzalez, Reijnders; Cherki, Foden; Haaland.
SoftFootball Prediction
Sunderland are expected to score at home, but Manchester City’s quality and momentum make them favourites. A 1-2 win for City looks most likely.
