Sunderland Vs Man City: Live Score, Preview, Lineup, Telecast Details
| Date | Tomorrow, Friday, January 2, 2026 |
| Time | 01:30 AM IST |
| Venue | Stadium of Light, Sunderland |
| Competition | Premier League (Matchweek 19) |
🏟️ Black Cats Face Ultimate Test Against City
Sunderland kick off 2026 by hosting reigning champions Manchester City at the Stadium of Light. Under Régis Le Bris, the Black Cats have been the surprise package of the season, currently sitting in seventh place. They boast an incredible unbeaten home record in the Premier League this campaign, but that record will be put to the sword against a City side in relentless form.
Manchester City arrive on the back of an eight-match winning streak in all competitions. Pep Guardiola's side currently sits second in the table, just two points behind leaders Arsenal. Having already beaten Sunderland 3-0 earlier this month, the Citizens will be confident of repeating that performance to keep the pressure on the summit.
- Event: Premier League Matchweek 19
- Date: Friday, January 2, 2026 (IST)
- Time: 01:30 AM IST
- Venue: Stadium of Light, Sunderland
- Context: Sunderland look to defend their unbeaten home streak against a City side chasing the title.
📊 Team Analysis & Form
Sunderland (Coach: Régis Le Bris, Form: D D W L D)
Sunderland have shown great resilience, drawing their last two matches against Leeds and Brighton. However, their squad is heavily depleted by the Africa Cup of Nations, with six key players including Chemsdine Talbi and Reinildo Mandava away on international duty. Despite these absences, Captain Granit Xhaka will be expected to lead the midfield battle at the Stadium of Light.
Manchester City (Coach: Pep Guardiola, Form: W W W W W)
City are in scintillating form, winning their last five Premier League matches. While Rayan Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmoush are at AFCON, Guardiola could be handed a massive boost with the potential returns of Rodri and Jeremy Doku. The Citizens have averaged over two goals per game this season and will look to exploit a Sunderland defense missing several regulars.
⭐ Key Players
- Sunderland: Granit Xhaka (Midfielder) - The captain's experience and discipline will be vital in containing City’s creative threats.
- Sunderland: Anthony Patterson (Goalkeeper) - Likely to be the busiest man on the pitch, his shot-stopping ability is Sunderland's best hope for a result.
- Manchester City: Erling Haaland (Forward) - The league's top marksman remains the focal point of City’s attack and a constant nightmare for defenders.
- Manchester City: Rayan Cherki (Midfielder) - The French playmaker is in inspired form, recording six goal contributions in his last five appearances.
🎯 The Key Battlegrounds
- Midfield Control: Granit Xhaka must find a way to disrupt the rhythm of Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki to prevent City from dominating territory.
- The Wide Areas: Sunderland's makeshift full-backs face a daunting task against City's pace, especially if Jeremy Doku makes his return from the bench.
- Second Half Intensity: Statistics show City often score late, while Sunderland have proven to be most dangerous after the break.
🔮 Prediction and Final Word
While Sunderland’s home record is impressive, the combination of City’s winning momentum and the Black Cats' heavy AFCON-related absences makes the visitors overwhelming favorites. City’s depth and clinical edge should be enough to break down a resilient but stretched Sunderland side.
Predicted Score: Sunderland 1 - 3 Manchester City
Can Sunderland protect their fortress, or will Manchester City’s quality prevail on New Year's night? Kick-off is tomorrow at 01:30 AM IST!
Would you like me to provide the official starting XI as soon as they are confirmed at the Stadium of Light?
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