Sunderland vs Manchester City Predictions

• Sunderland remain unbeaten after nine Premier League home games
• Manchester City have won their last eight matches
• Three of City’s last four wins on the road have been recorded by a single goal

Black Cats could stand firm

Manchester City are gathering a head of steam in their pursuit of Premier League leaders Arsenal and they will be chasing a seventh straight top-flight success in their opening game of 2026 at the Stadium of Light.

The Citizens are turning on the style, having taken their winning run in all competitions to eight with Saturday’s hard-fought 2-1 victory at Nottingham Forest, and they did ease past Sunderland 3-0 when they met at the Etihad at the beginning of December.

However, Pep Guardiola’s side should expect a much sterner test in the reverse fixture given the feelgood factor at Sunderland and an atmospheric home crowd should make life tough for the title chasers.

The Black Cats were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Leeds on Sunday but they maintained their unbeaten home record in the Premier League.

Regis Le Bris’s side have won five and drawn four of their nine matches since returning to the top-flight and that includes taking a point from City’s two title rivals, Arsenal and Aston Villa.

A 1-0 victory over derby rivals Newcastle was another highlight for Sunderland at home and, although they have been weakened with a number of players away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, the spirit in the squad will make them a tough nut to crack.

Citizens may have to dig deep on Wearside

City have had some troubles on their travels this season, having lost three of their nine away games at Aston Villa, Brighton and Newcastle and also been held to a draw at Arsenal.

Three of City’s five away league wins, against Brentford, Fulham and Nottingham Forest, have also been recorded by a single goal to suggest that they may have to dig deep for their rewards.

Sunderland have conceded only eight goals in nine home league games and City have scored exactly twice in three of their last five matches, two of which have resulted in 2-1 wins away at Real Madrid in the Champions League and at Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.

Guardiola’s side may find a way to inflict a first home defeat of the season on Sunderland but they will know that they have been involved in a battle and the Black Cats make plenty of appeal with a two-goal start on the handicap.