Manchester City host a surprising surging Sunderland side in a Premier League clash, a new and tricky team for the blues and one that could have some fireworks.
The Premier League is off to the races and City look to have a great holiday season.
Venue: Stadium of Light, Sunderland, England
Time and Date: Premier League: Thursday 1 January 2026, Kickoff at 20:00 GMT, 3:00pm EST USA
Referee
: Jarred Gillett.Assistants: Gary Beswick, Adrian Holmes.
Fourth official: Anthony Backhouse.
VAR: Peter Bankes
TV Info:
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Preview + Form
A tricky match up for the club as they are off a clean few wins and the holiday break. They need the win and all three points and facing a tough challenge in this Black Cat side, this could be a great opportunity.
It will be a tough match, but one has to back City with Haaland on form and Foden playing really well.
The key battle will be the midfielders chosen. An interesting match up is in tow. Who will play?
Which team will come out in front?
Previous Meeting
Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and Phil Foden were on the score-sheet as City beat Sunderland 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium in December.
Dias’ spectacular hit from 25 yards – just his sixth City goal – broke the deadlock deep in the first half before Gvardiol nodded home a second just a few minutes later.
Team News
City’s side have an unavailable/questionable list of Stones, Kovacic, Doku, Ait Nouri, Marmoush, Bobb and Rodri who are out or doubtful.
Sunderland have Dirra, Traore, Sadiki, Masuaku, Reinildo and Alese out are out or doubtful.
Prediction
Manchester City 2-1 Sunderland
