Sunderland vs Man City - Premier League
Sunderland vs Man City - Premier League

Manchester City begin the 2026 Premier League calendar with a tricky away test as they travel to the Stadium of Light to face a confident Sunderland side. With City chasing the title and Sunderland continuing to exceed expectations on their return to the top flight, this matchup offers intrigue well beyond the league table.

Read more: Premier League Matchweek 20 Full Schedule: U.S. Kickoff Times, Key Games, and What to Watch

Match Information

  • Match: Sunderland vs Manchester City

  • Competition: Premier League

  • Kickoff time: 3:00 p.m. ET, Thursday

  • Venue: Stadium of Light — Sunderland

Where to Watch Sunderland vs Manchester City Live (USA)

Fans will need a valid TV provider login to stream the match live on NBC platforms.

Match Preview

Manchester City head into the new year in relentless form as they look to keep pressure on the title race leaders. The Citizens have won six straight Premier League matches, split evenly between home and away, and currently sit five points behind Arsenal with a game in hand.

City’s dominance has been built on control in midfield, sustained possession, and an ability to wear teams down over 90 minutes. Matches like this, against motivated but less deep squads, often hinge on patience and efficiency in the final third.

Sunderland, however, have proven they are no pushovers. Their return to the Premier League has been one of the season’s most positive stories, and they continue to collect points against established top-flight opponents.

Read more: Which Premier League Games Are on Peacock? Matchweek 20 (January 3–4, 2026) — Complete U.S. TV & Streaming Guide

Team News & Form

Sunderland AFC

Sunderland are unbeaten in three straight matches and are currently on their third unbeaten run of at least three games this season. Recent results include a statement win over Newcastle and draws against Brighton and Leeds, underlining their competitiveness.

Manager Régis Le Bris has guided the Black Cats to seventh place with 28 points, an impressive return given the club’s limited resources and the loss of six players to the Africa Cup of Nations this month. Their organization, energy, and home support make the Stadium of Light a difficult place to visit.

Manchester City

City arrive with momentum and depth firmly on their side. Winning six consecutive league matches has kept them firmly in the title conversation, and their ability to rotate without losing quality remains a key advantage.

Away from home, City have been just as effective, controlling tempo and limiting opponents’ chances. Expect them to dominate possession and test Sunderland’s defensive structure early.

Head-to-Head (H2H)

Manchester City have historically dominated this fixture in the Premier League era, winning the vast majority of recent meetings. Sunderland’s last home league victories against City came before City’s rise into a perennial title contender.

That said, cup upsets and high-energy home performances show Sunderland are capable of making life uncomfortable, especially early in matches.

Read more: Manchester Derby: Blood, Pride, and Everything on the Line

Betting Odds (General Overview)

Manchester City enter the match as clear favorites across major sportsbooks.

  • Manchester City win: Heavy favorite

  • Draw: Long odds

  • Sunderland win: Significant underdog

Prediction

Sunderland’s organization and home crowd should keep them competitive early, but City’s quality, depth, and game management usually prove decisive over time.

Prediction: Sunderland 1–3 Manchester City

Expect Sunderland to show fight, but City’s pressure and efficiency should tell in the second half.

How to Watch Sunderland vs Manchester City Internationally

United Kingdom (UK)

Canada

Australia

Final Word

Manchester City need wins like this to stay in the Premier League title hunt, while Sunderland continue to prove they belong among England’s elite. With contrasting ambitions and strong recent form on both sides, this New Year’s clash should deliver intensity, quality, and atmosphere.

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