Sunderland vs Manchester City Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 01/01/26

Manchester City are gathering a head of steam in their pursuit of Premier League leaders Arsenal, and they will be chasing a 7th straight EPL success in their opening game of 2026 at the Stadium of Light. The Citizens are turning on the style, having taken their winning run in all competitions to 8 with Saturday’s hard-fought 2-1 victory at Nottingham Forest, and they did ease past Sunderland 3-0 when they met at the Etihad Stadium at the beginning of December. However, Pep Guardiola’s team should expect a much sterner test in the reverse fixture given the feelgood factor at Sunderland right now, and an atmospheric home crowd should make life tough for the title chasers.

The Black Cats were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Leeds on Sunday, but they maintained their unbeaten home record in the Premier League. Regis Le Bris’s side have won 5 and tied 4 of their 9 matches since returning to the EPL and that includes taking a point from City’s 2 title rivals, Arsenal and Aston Villa. A 1-0 victory over rivals Newcastle was another highlight for Sunderland at home and, although they have been weakened with a number of players away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, the spirit in the squad should make them a tough nut to crack.

City have had some troubles on their travels this season, having lost 3 of their 9 road games at Aston Villa, Brighton and Newcastle, and also been held to a draw at Arsenal. Guardiola’s team should be involved in a battle here and the Black Cats make plenty of appeal to earn something at huge +180 odds.

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