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Premier League 2025/26: Sunderland vs Manchester City Preview, Prediction, TV Schedule, Lineups

Xscore808

1 Jan, 2026

New Year's Day concludes with a David vs. Goliath battle as relegation-threatened Sunderland (19th) hosts title-chasing Manchester City (2nd). Can the Stadium of Light spark a holiday miracle against Haaland?

Premier League 2025/26: Sunderland vs Manchester City Preview, Prediction, TV Schedule, Lineups

Where to Watch Sunderland vs Manchester City: TV Channel, Start Time and Live Stream

Competition (round): Premier League (Matchweek 20)

Kick-off (GMT): 20:00, Thursday, 1 January 2026

Stadium, location: Stadium of Light, Sunderland, England

TV Channel and Live Stream: You can also follow Xscore808 live updates.

Match Facts

Manchester City enters 2026 just one point behind league leaders Arsenal, making every game a "must-win." Sunderland occupies 19th place, currently three points adrift of safety.

Erling Haaland starts the new year as the league's top scorer (19 goals). He has scored a hat-trick in his only previous visit to the Stadium of Light.

Historically, Manchester City has struggled in away games played on January 1st, winning only two of their last five New Year's Day fixtures on the road.

Despite their league position, Sunderland has been surprisingly tough at home against "Big Six" opposition this season, having already held Arsenal to a draw earlier in the campaign.

Manchester City is without Rodri (suspended), which has historically been their "Achilles' heel." Sunderland is missing key winger Jack Clarke due to a hamstring injury.

Prediction of AI

Based on the overwhelming difference in squad depth and City's relentless pursuit of the title, the AI predicts a 3-0 victory for Manchester City.

While the Stadium of Light atmosphere will be electric for this night kickoff, Sunderland's defensive record—the second-worst in the league—is unlikely to withstand City’s attacking rotations. The prediction anticipates City controlling over 75% of possession, with the Black Cats forced to rely on rare counter-attacks. A comfortable win for the visitors is the most statistical likely outcome to start 2026.

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