Sunderland vs Manchester City Betting Tips – 01.01.2026
Manchester City, dreaming of Premier League glory again, pays a visit to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in the first day of the new year. Let’s preview it in these profitable halftime/fulltime betting tips.
Pep Guardiola’s boys are enjoying a run of 8 consecutive wins in all competitions. This allowed the former champions to climb to second place in the standings – just two points behind the leader Arsenal.
At the same time Sunderland are having a great season after their return
to the Prem. The Black Cats are 7th in the standings with 28 points – just one
point behind the 5th Chelsea.
Sunderland News & Analysis
Just a few days ago Sunderland made their 7th draw for the season. The Black Cats faced Leeds United at home, and got the point – 1-1. Simon Adingra scored Sunderland’s only goal in the match and it was his first Premier League goal for the season.
Granit Xhaka remains the player who has to lead Sunderland in that game. The former Arsenal captain became the team’s leader since joining the club from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer. What Guardiola has to do is find a way to neutralise Xhaka’s influence in midfield.
Manchester City News & Analysis
Manchester City achieved a dramatic 2-1 win against Nottingham Forest away from home in their last match. The game was close to a draw, but Ryan Cherki secured the three points for City with a late winner in the 83rd minute. The French international put the ball in the net after a majestic volley with his right foot.
Just as always, Guardiola could make some changes in the starting eleven against Sunderland. Savinho could return in the line-up after starting as a substitute against Forest while Rodri is also ready to return in the starting eleven. The Spanish star could bring some solidity in the team’s midfield operations.
Sunderland vs Manchester City Betting Predictions
Although Manchester City are competing for the title, an away game against Sunderland at this moment is a tough challenge. The Black Cats won’t be easy to beat here.
- X2;
- Draw at Half-Time;
Head-to-Head Matches
Manchester City have the advantage in the head-to-head games against Sunderland – 71 wins in 146 games. But the Black Cats have their success rate as well – 50 wins.
Betting Verdict
Manchester City will try their best to win against Sunderland, but this game shall be even harder compared to the one against Nottingham Forest. The Black Cats are a solid performer in the Premier League this season. Let’s see if they can make a stand here. Thank you for being with us and our profitable halftime/fulltime betting tips.