Pep Guardiola’s side sit second going into the weekend, five points adrift of the leaders, who beat Brentford 2-0 on Wednesday to reassert their cushion and could even extend it when they travel to third-place Aston Villa at lunchtime.
Now, City take on a Sunderland side massively overachieving this term.
Regis Le Bris’ team are exceeding all expectations, hovering around the European places on their top-flight return.
The Wearsiders are in sixth after their 1-1 stalemate on Wednesday, and they will arrive at the Etihad Stadium fully confident that they can upset the apple cart once again.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Man City vs Sunderland is scheduled for a 3pm GMT kick-off today on Saturday December 6, 2025.
The match will take place at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester.
Where to watch Man City vs Sunderland
TV channel: In the UK, the game will not be televised live as it lands during the 3pm Saturday blackout.
Free highlights: The Sky Sports app and YouTube channel will show highlights from 5.15pm, with Match of the Day broadcasting on BBC One at 10.20pm.
Man City vs Sunderland team news
The Spaniard’s return to action has again been pushed back, although Guardiola hinted that the midfielder did not have “much further” to go with his recovery from a hamstring problem.
Rodri remains out injured for Manchester City
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Mateo Kovacic is the only other absentee for the hosts.
As for Sunderland, Aji Alese and Habib Diarra are their only injuries, with both in line to return soon.
Man City vs Sunderland prediction
Sunderland seriously impressed at Anfield.
They were structured in their 4-4-2 shape out of possession, and they were dangerous and direct on the counter-attack.
Brian Brobbey was a real handful, pinning the centre-backs and running selflessly into the channels to create space for the little magician Enzo Le Fee.
Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki provided a steely midfield base, with Chemsdine Talbi, the goalscorer that night, off the left, looking to drift inside at every opportunity.
City have shown as ever that they can score plenty of goals – with Erling Haaland in the side, there is no doubt – but it is defensively where they look vulnerable. Can they keep it together against the high-flying Black Cats?
Head to head (h2h) history and results
Man City vs Sunderland match odds
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
