Sunderland vs Manchester City prediction 01.01.2026 | Premier League

Sunderland return to home comforts after an entertaining 1:1 draw against Leeds on Saturday. Simon Adingra's first-half cracker gave the Black Cats a first-half advantage before Dominic Calvert-Lewin continued his hot scoring run to secure a point for the visitors. 

Régis Le Bris's side have gone off the boil a little in recent weeks, but remain a particularly difficult side to beat. While the hosts failed to win seven of their last nine EPL matches, they remain unbeaten in nine home league games this season. Four of their five most recent home matches also finished with both teams on the scoresheet. 

Placed seventh in the division with 28 points, Sunderland remain on course to easily secure safety following their return to the top flight last summer.

Head coach Le Bris has a lengthy list of absentees. Ajibola-Joshua Alese, Chemsdine Talbi, Bertrand Traoré, Arthur Masuaku, Reinildo Mandava, Noah Sadiki and Habib Diarra are all ruled out and will miss out. Ahmed Abdullahi is listed as doubtful and will be assessed closer to kick-off, while Daniel Ballard’s availability remains uncertain.

Manchester City make the trip to the Stadium of Light after securing yet another Premier League victory at Nottingham Forest last weekend. Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki were on the scoresheet as the Citizens claimed a vital road victory.

The on-form Sky Blues have now claimed victories in each of their last eight matches across all competitions, including six successive EPL wins. Man City now sit second in the division, just two points behind league leaders Arsenal.

Despite their excellent performances, Guardiola's side have struggled to keep clean sheets this season, particularly on their travels. Five of the visitors' last six away fixtures finished with both teams on the scoresheet. 

Spanish boss Guardiola has half-a-dozen potential absentees this week. Mateo Kovačić, Oscar Bobb and Rayan Aït-Nouri are ruled out, while Jérémy Doku and John Stones are doubtful. Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush is on AFCON duty.