Manchester City have won each of their last seven meetings with Sunderland, unbeaten in nine overall, dating back to 2013.
The Black Cats have not won any of their last 13 away games against the Sky Blues, losing 11 of them, their most recent victory coming at Maine Road in 1998.
Manchester City vs Sunderland preview
It has been quite the chaotic week for Manchester City, but will they collect another victory here? On Tuesday night, Pep Guardiola's side were cruising at Craven Cottage, 5-1 up shortly after half time; Erling Braut Håland and Tijjani Reijnders on target, Phil Foden bagging a brace and then Jérémy Doku's shot deflecting in. However, Fulham fought back, getting it to 5-4, setting up a grand stand finish on the banks of the River Thames, but Man City held on for victory, just about.
This came three days after Man City almost threw away two points against Leeds as well. In that match, the Citizens raced into a 2-0 lead inside 25 minutes, only for Leeds to equalise mid-way through the second half, requiring a stoppage time strike from Foden to pinch the points. Is this the mark of champions, or a team not as good as they once were? Well, Manchester City start the weekend second, five points below Arsenal, and the big games keep on coming, taking on Real Madrid at the Bernabéu on Wednesday, before a trip to Selhurst Park next Sunday. Before any of that, will the Sky Blues enjoy a more serene victory this time?
Well, not if Sunderland continue to impress, as they have done all season long. On Wednesday night, the Black Cats very nearly beat Liverpool at Anfield, taking the lead through Chemsdine Talbi on the hour mark, only for an unfortunate late own goal by Nordi Mukiele ensured the points were shared.
Before this, Régis Le Bris' side had been involved in a bonkers game of their own, fighting back from 2-0 down to beat Bournemouth 3-2 at the Stadium of Light last weekend; Brian Brobbey heading home the winner. This is Sunderland's sole win in five, but they've lost only two of their last 12 outings, so kick off in sixth place, a mere five points below their hosts. With the eagerly anticipated Tyne–Wear derby to come next Sunday, can Sunderland claim a major scalp at the Etihad?
Manchester City vs Sunderland head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 147.
- Manchester City Wins: 72. Draws: 25. Sunderland Wins: 50.
Manchester City team news
Pep Guardiola remains without Rodri and Mateo Kovačić and, after making ten changes ahead of the recent defeat to Bayer Leverkusen, he seems sure about his first-choice starting XI.
Having scored at Craven Cottage, Tijjani Reijnders could keep his place in midfield, chosen over Rayan Cherki, Savinho and others. Gianluigi Donnarumma and Bernardo Silva would sit out next Sunday's clash with Crystal Palace if cautioned.
Manchester City predicted lineup vs Sunderland: (4-1-4-1): Donnarumma; Nunes, Rúben Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly; Nico, Reijnders, Foden, Silva, Doku; Håland.
Manchester City player to watch vs Sunderland
Erling Braut Håland bagged his 100th Premier League goal in mid-week, netting against all 23 different opponents he has faced in the competition, so will he mark his first-ever meeting with Sunderland by scoring?
Sunderland team news
Régis Le Bris mixed up his attack on Merseyside in mid-week, with scorer Chemsdine Talbi and last weekend's match-winner Brian Brobbey coming in, chosen over Bertrand Traoré and Wilson Isidor.
In defence, as Le Bris tends to do in big matches, he switched to a back five against Liverpool, but Lutsharel Geertruida could come into the back line, after Trai Hume got the nod at Anfield. Midfield duo Noah Sadiki and Granit Xhaka would both miss the Tyne-Wear derby if cautioned.
Sunderland predicted lineup vs Manchester City: (5-3-2): Roefs; Mukiele, Geertruida, Alderete, Ballard, Reinildo; Xhaka, Sadiki, Le Fée; Talbi, Brobbey.
Sunderland player to watch vs Manchester City
Robin Roefs has made the second-most saves in the Premier League this season, just one behind Martin Dúbravka of Burnley, but that tally will surely exponentially rise at the Etihad.
Manchester City vs Sunderland prediction
Despite their recent nervy matches, and Sunderland's incredible form, we are backing Manchester City to get over the line and pick up three points on Saturday: Manchester City 2-1 Sunderland.
Manchester City vs Sunderland FAQs - Premier League
How to watch Manchester City vs Sunderland in the Premier League on TV channel?
Manchester City vs Sunderland in the Premier League will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: This match is not being broadcast live in the UK.
- USA: Peacock
- Canada: Fubo Sports Network Canada
How to watch Manchester City vs Sunderland in the Premier League on live streaming?
Manchester City vs Sunderland in the Premier League will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: This match is not being broadcast live in the UK.
- USA: Peacock
- Canada: fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Manchester City vs Sunderland in the Premier League?
Manchester City vs Sunderland takes place on Saturday 6 December 2025, with kick off at 15:00 (GMT), 10:00 (ET) & 7:00 (PT).