Man City vs Sunderland: Match Preview, Latest Team News and Score Prediction | OneFootball

Man City Chase Ground Against Spirited Sunderland

Man City return to Premier League duty knowing the pressure continues to mount at the top of the table. Five points separate them from the leaders after a dramatic midweek round, with Pep Guardiola’s side beating Fulham 5-4 while their rivals responded with a composed 2-0 win over Brentford. Momentum has swung repeatedly in recent weeks, yet the challenge for City is clear, they must keep pace and avoid further defensive lapses.

Sunderland’s Surge Under Le Bris

Few expected Sunderland to sit near the European spots in their first Premier League season back, yet Regis Le Bris has crafted a side full of organisation, courage and tactical clarity. Granit Xhaka, rejuvenated in a deeper role, has become an influential figure, guiding a youthful group that continues to grow in confidence.Their latest outing, a 1-1 draw at Anfield, underlined that progress. The Championship play off winners not only resisted Liverpool’s press but showed enough bravery in possession to unsettle them. Many observers felt they deserved more on the night. That performance sets up Saturday with genuine belief that they can challenge City at the Etihad Stadium.

Photo IMAGO

Key Details, Kick Off Time and Broadcast Information

Man City vs Sunderland will kick off at 3pm GMT on Saturday, December 6 2025 at the Etihad Stadium.Supporters in the UK will not be able to watch the match live due to the Saturday blackout. Highlights will be available from 5.15pm on the Sky Sports app and YouTube channel, while Match of the Day will air at 10.20pm on BBC One.

Team News and Tactical Notes

City remain without Rodri, whose recovery from a hamstring issue has been slower than anticipated. Guardiola noted that the midfielder does not have “much further” to go before returning, although this fixture comes too soon. Mateo Kovacic also stays sidelined, leaving the champions slightly stretched in central areas.Sunderland’s selection picture is more stable. Aji Alese and Habib Diarra are expected to be available next week, meaning Le Bris should deploy a near identical lineup to the one that impressed at Anfield. Their structure is expected to remain the same too, a 4-4-2 foundation that becomes more fluid when transitioning forward.Brian Brobbey’s physical presence will again be crucial. His ability to pin defenders and work the channels has opened spaces for Enzo Le Fee, while Xhaka and Noah Sadiki anchor midfield with authority. Chemsdine Talbi, who scored at Anfield, will continue to drift inside from the left to create overloads.

Prediction and Head to Head Summary

City’s attacking power means they will always threaten, especially with Erling Haaland capable of decisive moments. The issue lies at the other end, where recent vulnerabilities have offered opponents hope. Sunderland’s confidence, energy and tactical discipline make them dangerous, although navigating City’s firepower at the Etihad remains a sizeable task.Prediction, Man City to win, 3-1.

Head to head recordMan City wins, 72Sunderland wins, 50Draws, 25