Analysing Sunderland ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash | OneFootball

An in-depth look at this weekend’s visitors…

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We host Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium in a 15:00 (UK) kick-off on Saturday 6 December.

As with all kick-offs during this timeslot, it’s not available to watch on television in the UK so make sure you’re across mancity.com and our official app on the day.

Buy City v Sunderland tickets here

It’s the first time the Black Cats have been to the Etihad since Pep Guardiola’s very first Premier League match in charge of City, way back in August 2016.

They’ve since spent time in the second and third tiers of English football, before a dramatic play-off victory last spring saw them back to the top tier.

With the help of Opta data, we’ll take a look at what to expect…

Recent form

Given they’re freshly promoted this season, Sunderland are flying.

They have 23 points from their first 14 games, meaning they currently sit on the cusp of the European qualification spots.

That run has included a win against Chelsea and draws with Arsenal and Liverpool, with the last of those coming earlier this week.

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Having not sealed their promotion until the play-offs and made a host of sweeping changes, it’s a remarkable return for the Stadium of Light side and they’ll no doubt play as if they have nothing to lose at City this weekend.

Preferred formation

Sunderland have been one of the Premier League’s most flexible sides all season – refusing to stick to a formation game by game.

That’s seen them play 5-4-1, 4-2-3-1 and 4-4-2 in their last three outings alone.

Robin Roefs in goal has become something of a cult hero on Wearside already, while Dan Ballard and Omar Alderete have formed a partnership in front of him.

The central midfield pairing of experienced former Arsenal man Granit Xhaka and energetic youngster Noah Sadiki has been central to everything they’ve done.

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The likes of Enzo Le Fee and Chemsdine Talbi are asked to get forward in support of the central striker, which is often Wilson Isidor but former Ajax man Brian Brobbey has been growing more and more involved too.

Manager

The Premier League has had a lot of influence from France, with the likes of Arsene Wenger and Gerard Houllier the most notable names from a coaching perspective.

Regis Le Bris is this season making a name for himself with the job he has done at Sunderland so far.

The 49-year-old’s only previous senior management experience before moving to the Stadium of Light in 2024 was two seasons at Lorient.

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However, he’s clearly adapted superbly to English football having led Sunderland to promotion in his first season and an excellent start to this one.

He’s one of only two managers in the Premier League at the moment experiencing their first year as the main man in this division, alongside Brentford’s Keith Andrews.

So far, he has a win percentage of 42.9% and a points per match average of 1.64 – numbers that place him ahead of some of the most experienced operators.

Head-to-head record

City have won 18 of all 26 Premier League games between the sides, scoring 55 goals in that time!

We have never lost a Premier League game at the Etihad against Sunderland in 11 meetings – winning nine and drawing two. Only Newcastle United (20) and West Brom (12) have played more games at our home without winning than the Black Cats.

We have also won 24 of our last 26 Premier League games against promoted sides, with our last such defeat coming at home to Leeds in April 2021.

How they score their goals

Sunderland’s exceptional form so far is not necessarily built on their attacking prowess.

Their 18 goals so far in the 13th best in the Premier League, while their xG of 12.3 is the second lowest in the whole top-flight.

It’s the same story for first half goals, with their five so far the 19th best in the Premier League while their 13 after the break is the seventh best in the division.

They carry a significant aerial threat, with their five headed goals to date the fourth best in the league. Goals can also come from anywhere on the pitch, having registered 10 different scorers so far.

In terms of buildup, expect this to be a match of contrasts with City’s 542 passes per match the highest in the league and Sunderland’s 369 the third lowest.

Wilson Isidor is their top scorer with four goals, while Brobbey, Le Fee and Talbi all have two. Also on two is defender Ballard, who will come forward for every set piece undoubtedly.

With four assists, Xhaka is only one behind the division leaders in Bruno Fernandes and Mo Kudus in terms of supplying team-mates.

How they defend

For Erling Haaland, this game represents a potential new victim. The Norwegian has scored against every single club he’s ever faced in the Premier League.

However, having only let in 14 goals so far – Sunderland’s defence is one of the best in the division. In fact, only Arsenal and Crystal Palace have let in fewer.

They have conceded many more chances than that would suggest though, with an xG on their goal of 18.7 placing them firmly mid table.

Meanwhile, City will hope to be accurate from range as Sunderland have allowed 212 shots on their own goal, which is the second worst in the division so far.

They have been masterful at defending set plays so far, with only two in total let in – the best in the Premier League.

We’ll want to target them early. Their five goals conceded in the opening 15 minutes of games is the joint worst in the division.

As for fouls committed, only City and Manchester United have done fewer than their 137 so you would have to expect this to be a free-flowing encounter.

Goalkeeper Roefs is adored by Sunderland fans and for good reason. His 78.5% save percentage is the best in the Premier League so far.

Limited City v Sunderland tickets available

Limited tickets remain for qualifying members for City’s Premier League clash with Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday 6 December.

Sitting second in the table, Pep Guardiola’s side are looking to keep pressure on league leaders Arsenal as we approach the halfway point of the campaign.

The newly promoted Black Cats will provide a stern test having enjoyed a fabulous return to the top-flight so far.

This is in fact the first Etihad meeting between the sides since Pep’s very first game in charge of City all the way back in 2016!

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