Sunderland welcome, title-chasing, Manchester City to the Stadium of Light, as they look to get off to the perfect start in 2026.
2025 was a huge year for SAFC as they won the Championship Play Offs to return to the Premier League, and so far they have been off to a flyer.
Sunderland currently sit 7th in the Premier League, and they could move as high as 5th with a victory.
But they have a huge test, Manchester City are 2bd in the Premier League and they will be desperate for a victory to move within 2 points of the current leaders, Arsenal.
Manchester City have won their last 6 matches in the Premier League, their last defeat coming against Newcastle United at St James’ Park last month.
The Black Cats have only lost 1 of their last 6 games, winning 2 and drawing 3, with their only loss coming against tonight’s opponents away from home in a 3-0 defeat.
Sunderland will be looking for revenge, but it will be extremely difficult with them still missing 6 first-team players due to AFCON.
Manchester City have also won 9 out of their last 10 meetings against Sunderland, drawing 1 in that time, with Sunderland’s last victory coming in a 1-0 win at the Stadium of Light back in 2013.
Team News
Dan Ballard’s injury is not as serious as it seemed at first, but tonight may be a little to early for him to return.
Prediction
Sunderland 1-1 Manchester City
Scorer – Granit Xhaka