Sunderland travel to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, facing one of the toughest challenges in football.
However, the Black Cats arrive with confidence. Currently, they are one of the season’s surprise packages, sitting comfortably in the top half of the table. In addition, their resilience has been remarkable. Consequently, they have earned a well-deserved reputation as comeback specialists.
Breaking their hoodoo at Manchester City requires a monumental effort. In fact, Sunderland has never won a Premier League away game against City in 13 attempts. Furthermore, they face a team that typically punishes promoted sides. City have won 24 of their last 26 matches against newly promoted opposition. Therefore, Régis Le Bris’s men must be flawless to secure a historic result today.
Sunderland team news
Régis Le Bris likely keeps faith with his formation. Captain Granit Xhaka marshals the midfield alongside Noah Sadiki. Defensively, the backline must be at its best to stop Erling Haaland. Consequently, Dan Ballard, Omar Alderete, and Nordi Mukiele likely form the central defensive trio.
In attack, Wilson Isidor leads the line. The creative duo of Enzo Le Fée and Chemsdine Talbi flanks him. Together, they look to exploit City’s recent defensive fragility.
Sunderland predicted Lineup
Sunderland predicted XI: Roefs; Hume, Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo; Xhaka, Sadiki; Talbi, Isidor, Le Fée
When will the match kick off?
The Premier League fixture takes place at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, 6 December 2025. Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 GMT.
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.
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