As the Premier League heats up in December 2025, Manchester City vs Sunderland stands out as a pivotal clash at the Etihad Stadium. With City chasing Arsenal at the top of the table and Sunderland punching above their weight as newly promoted side, this fixture promises drama, goals, and tactical intrigue. Kick-off is set for 3:00 PM GMT on Saturday, December 6, 2025—perfect timing for fans tuning in during the holiday build-up. Whether you’re a die-hard Cityzen or a Black Cats supporter, here’s your ultimate Man City vs Sunderland preview, team news, predicted lineups, and score predictions to guide your viewing party or betting slip.
Man City vs Sunderland preview
Manchester City sit second in the Premier League with 28 points from 14 games, just five points behind leaders Arsenal. A win here could narrow the gap to two points, especially if Arsenal slip up at Aston Villa earlier in the day. Pep Guardiola’s side have been a goal-scoring machine, netting 32 goals this season—the most in the league—but their defense has shown cracks, conceding 16 (sixth-worst in the top six). Coming off a thrilling 5-4 win at Fulham, City will look to extend their seven-game home winning streak at the Etihad, where they’ve scored a league-high 19 goals.
Sunderland, in a surprise sixth place with 23 points, are overachieving under Regis le Bris. Their 1-1 draw at Liverpool midweek highlighted their resilience, nearly stealing all three points late on. The Black Cats have drawn three of their last five and only lost once by more than one goal this season, but away form remains a concern— just two road wins. A result here could cement their European push, but facing City’s firepower will test their grit.
Manchester City Injury Update
Guardiola faces midfield woes with Rodri (hamstring) still building fitness and Mateo Kovacic (ankle/heel) out long-term. Rodri could return for next week’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid, but he’ll sit this one out. Otherwise, the squad is near full strength—expect rotations ahead of the Bernabeu.
Sunderland Injury Update
The Black Cats have a longer list: Habib Diarra (groin, long-term), Aji Alese (shoulder), Leo Hjelde (Achilles), and Dennis Cirkin (wrist) all sidelined, lacking match fitness. Captain Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki risk suspension with yellow-card tallies. Midweek exertions at Anfield could lead to fatigue.
Potential Lineups: How Guardiola and Le Bris Might Line Up
Guardiola’s fluid 4-3-3 emphasizes possession and width, while Le Bris favors a compact 4-2-3-1 to counter on the break. Here’s our predicted lineups based on recent form and injuries:
Manchester City Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
- GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma
- DEF: Matheus Nunes, Rúben Dias, Joško Gvardiol, Nico O’Reilly
- MID: Tijjani Reijnders, Nico González, Bernardo Silva
- FWD: Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku
Sunderland Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
- GK: Robin Roefs
- DEF: Nordi Mukiele, Daniel Ballard, Omar Alderete, Reinildo Mandava
- MID: Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki
- THAT MID: Bertrand Traoré, Enzo Le Fée, Chemsdine Talbi
- FWD: Wilson Isidor
Score Predictions
City’s home dominance and attacking prowess make them heavy favorites, but Sunderland’s resilience suggests both teams scoring. Over 2.5 goals has landed in City’s last five league games and seven of nine H2H. Phil Foden (anytime scorer at 7/5) and Erling Haaland are banker picks.
Our Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Sunderland
Manchester City
Sunderland
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