Sunderland vs Manchester City Tips, Bet Builder & Latest Odds
Sunderland will usher in the New Year by welcoming title-chasing Manchester City to the Stadium of Light on Thursday evening.
The Black Cats have been formidable at home this term, while City warmed up for this clash with a 2-1 win away to Nottingham Forest.
Both sides are in good form, giving this game the ingredients to be a classic so rest assured, we've had a look at some betting tips ahead of the game so you can make the most of it.
Sunderland vs Manchester City Tips
Here are our selection of football betting tips to weigh up before kick-off.
Tip 1: Sunderland (Double Chance)
New Year’s Day clashes between Sunderland and City aren’t exactly rare. This will be the third New Year’s Day showdown between Sunderland and City in the Premier League, and Sunderland triumphed 1-0 at home in 2012.
Under Regis Le Bris, Sunderland have provided flair with brawn, and they are in the mix for a European spot next term, sitting seventh in the table.
City, on the other hand, are renowned for going on long unbeaten stretches, and they are in striking distance of the Gunners, currently sitting two points behind the table toppers.
Although City have won on each of their past two visits to the Stadium of Light to nil, Sunderland have done well against the Premier League powerhouses this season, most notably the home draw against Arsenal, and holding Liverpool to a point at Anfield.
I’ve thought long and hard about this, and I think the Sunderland Double Chance line is intriguing, so two of the three possible outcomes are covered.
Tip 2: Granit Xhaka to be carded
Granit Xhaka has been a revelation for Sunderland, and his Premier League experience counts for a lot.
With five assists to his name, Xhaka has been a key cog in their success to date, but he’s also got a bit of a spiky side.
He doesn’t hold back with his tackles, and he’s currently walking a tightrope, as he’s one yellow card away from a suspension.
I’ve got a feeling the Swiss midfielder could go into the referee’s book, and the odds probably ought to be slightly shorter if truth be told.
Tip 3: Sunderland (Double Chance), Over 2.5 Goals, Ryan Cherki to Score Anytime
To kick things off, Sunderland won’t want to relinquish their unbeaten status at home, and despite their recent poor run against City, the Double Chance line appeals.
The second leg of this bet builder covers the Over goals market. This fixture has seen the Over 2.5 goals line met in two of the past three league clashes, and it could be fulfilled again.
Erling Haaland may be the club’s leading light with 19 league goals, but Rayan Cherki has been outstanding lately. He’s currently averaging 1.3 goal involvements per 90 minutes, and I fancy him to get on the scoresheet.
Sunderland vs Manchester City Odds
Check out the latest odds from selected markets with our best sport betting sites ahead of the game.
Where to Watch Sunderland vs Manchester City
TV Channel
In the United Kingdom, Sunderland vs Manchester City will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event, as the main game out of the four that are taking place on Thursday.
Live Stream Information
UK viewers will be able to stream the match live using Sky’s digital services; this includes streaming on the Sky Go app or the Sky Sports+ app if you are a subscriber, and the fixture can also be streamed through NOW UK for those who have purchased the appropriate Sky Sports pass on that platform.
Sunderland vs Manchester City Match Information
Here's everything you need to know before kick-off.
Kick-Off Time
The Sunderland vs Manchester City match is scheduled to kick off at 8:00pm.
Fixture Date
This Sunderland vs Manchester City Premier League game will take place on 1 January 2026.
Stadium
The match will be played at the Stadium of Light, home ground of Sunderland.
More Football Tips
Check out the rest of the coverage from the Free Bets team during the busy festive period.
