Sunderland – Manchester City : a big test for the Black Cats 
Thursday night, Sunderland host Manchester City — a proper high-level clash. Promoted this season, the Black Cats keep surprising and now face another heavyweight as City hurtles full-speed into the title race.
Sunderland : a season punching above its weight 
Back in the Premier League, Sunderland didn’t take long to make noise. Solid, combative and hard to play against, Régis Le Bris’s men have quickly earned the league’s respect. Sitting in a surprising seventh, the Black Cats have real European ambitions for 2026.
The symbolic win over Newcastle in mid-December turned heads and confirmed the group’s positive momentum. In their last six league games Sunderland have suffered just one defeat. Still, the heavy loss at the Etihad last month (3-0) is a reminder of the gap that can still open up against the big guns.
Squad news — Sunderland
Uncertainty surrounds Dan Ballard, still troubled by a sore ankle. Several players are also missing because of AFCON, including Bertrand Traoré and Arthur Masuaku. Up front, Simon Adingra — who scored recently at the Stadium of Light — should again be one of the main attacking threats. Granit Xhaka, the metronome since he arrived, will marshal the side.
Manchester City : the machine is back 
Manchester City arrive in the North East full of confidence. Pep Guardiola’s men sit on eight consecutive wins in all competitions and look to have found their groove. The hard-fought win at Nottingham Forest last weekend shows they can make the difference even in tight games.
Performing in the league, still in domestic cups and capable of hitting hard in the Champions League, the Citizens show impressive consistency. Away from home City are solid too, with four straight wins away from the Etihad.
Squad news — Manchester City
Oscar Bobb is still unavailable, while Rayan Aït-Nouri and Omar Marmoush are absent due to AFCON. Up front, Erling Haaland remains the number one weapon: 19 goals in 18 Premier League games this season. Rayan Cherki, who has been decisive recently, should again accompany the Norwegian.
Key points
- Manchester City won 3-0 in the first meeting.
- City are on eight consecutive wins in all competitions.
- Sunderland have lost just one of their last six league games.
- Erling Haaland is averaging over a goal per Premier League game.
Football prediction Sunderland vs Manchester City
Manchester City to win
Sunderland have had a remarkable season, but this is a tall order. City are on a roll and have too many weapons to let this slip. Like in the first meeting, the Citizens should edge it without turning on the style.
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