Manchester City welcome Premier League surprise package Sunderland to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Pep Guardiola’s side aims to tighten their defensive lines after a chaotic midweek victory. Indeed, City edged Fulham 5-4 on Tuesday in a nine-goal thriller. That match showcased both their irresistible attack and recent defensive vulnerability.
Now, the hosts must refocus as they maintain their pursuit of league leaders Arsenal. They face a Sunderland team that has defied expectations under Régis Le Bris. Currently, the Black Cats sit comfortably in the top half of the table.
Furthermore, they are renowned for their resilience. In fact, Sunderland has won more points from losing positions than any other team this season. Despite this, they arrive in Manchester aiming to break a historic hoodoo. Sunderland has never won a Premier League away game against City in 13 attempts.
Manchester City vs Sunderland – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Saturday, 6 December 2025
- Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
- Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
- Referee: Andy Madley
- VAR: Michael Salisbury
- Last Meeting: Sunderland 0-2 Manchester City, 5 March 2017, Premier League
Team News
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola is expected to shuffle his pack after the exhausting encounter at Craven Cottage. Unfortunately, midfield anchor Rodri and Mateo Kovačić remain sidelined with injuries. Consequently, Nico González could anchor the midfield alongside Tijjani Reijnders. In defence, youngster Nico O’Reilly and Abdukodir Khusanov are pushing for starts. Guardiola looks to freshen up a backline that has conceded eight goals in its last three games.
Sunderland
Régis Le Bris is likely to stick with the system that has served Sunderland well. Captain Granit Xhaka will marshal the midfield alongside Noah Sadiki. Up front, Wilson Isidor is expected to lead the line. He will be flanked by the creative Enzo Le Fée and Chemsdine Talbi. Defensively, the Black Cats will need to be at their best. They face a City side that has won 24 of their last 26 matches against promoted opposition.
Form
Manchester City
City’s 5-4 win over Fulham was a historic anomaly. It was the first time since 1957 they won a league game while conceding four goals. While the three points kept them in the title hunt, the defensive statistics are alarming. They have shipped eight goals in their last three outings. However, the Etihad remains a fortress. City have won their last six home league games in a row.
Sunderland
Sunderland’s fearless approach has made them one of the league’s most entertaining sides. Crucially, their ability to claw back points is unmatched. They have matched Aston Villa for the most points recovered from losing positions this term. However, their record at this ground is poor. Only Newcastle and West Brom have played more Premier League games at the Etihad without winning than Sunderland.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester City predicted XI: Donnarumma; Khusanov, Stones, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; González, Reijnders; Cherki, Foden, Doku; Haaland
Sunderland predicted XI: Roefs; Hume, Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo; Xhaka, Sadiki; Talbi, Isidor, Le Fée
How to watch Manchester City vs Sunderland?
This match will not be broadcast live in the UK due to the 15:00 GMT Saturday blackout. Highlights will be available on BBC’s Match of the Day at 22:30 GMT.
Read- FIFA World Cup 2026 draw in full as England Scotland learn opponents
See more- Maresca reveals biggest Chelsea ‘regret’ from Leeds defeat
