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Manchester City vs Sunderland Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction

Date: December 06, 2025 Venue: Etihad Stadium Kickoff Time: 17:00 A fierce battle between two managers and their distinct styles will come to light when the possession-based, star power of Man City meets the well-organised, counter-attacking philosophy of Sunderland. With so much to look forward to, Premier League betting fans can take advantage of early betting potential ahead of kickoff. City are amongst the best teams in world football, coached by arguably the best manager to ever do it, but have not had it their own way in recent times and shown signs of vulnerability. Meanwhile, Sunderland have worked their way back into the top flight and have been the fairytale story of the Premier League thus far. As the schedule enters its busiest stage, both managers will want to secure maximum points, especially for the significant value a victory holds during this time.

Marc Strydom
Marc Strydom

Last updated: 2025-12-02

Chad Nagel

7 minutes read

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Manchester City's Norwegian striker #09 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring their fifth goal

Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring their fifth goal//Getty Images

The atmosphere around the Etihad Stadium will be crackling as the superpowers of Man City prepare to face an exciting Sunderland outfit who have been defying the odds on 6 December 2025. It has been eight years since these two teams last met, and fans on both sides can expect a highly contested match-up.

Pre-Game Odds & Win Probability

  • HOME (MAN CITY): 27/100 (1.27) – 78.7%
  • DRAW: 23/5 (5.60) – 17.9% 
  • AWAY (SUNDERLAND): 51/5 (11.20) – 8.9% 

Odds courtesy of Betway, subject to change.

Head-To-Head Record

Last five meetings (All Competitions)

  1. 05/03/2017: Sunderland 0-2 Man City

  2. 13/08/2016: Man City 2-1 Sunderland  

  3. 02/02/2016: Sunderland 0-1 Man City

  4. 26/12/2015: Man City 4-1 Sunderland

  5. 22/09/2015: Sunderland 1-4 Man City

Man City Current Form – WLLWW

Man City are currently undergoing a challenging but characteristic period of their season. They remain a dominant force, but have recently experienced a few surprising setbacks. You could argue that this may be a squad rebuild year with the new players they have brought in and that it’s only a matter of time before they return to their very best.

The last five games demonstrate the uncertainty the Citizens have faced, especially for a team that prides itself on such high standards. City won successive victories at home over Dortmund in the Champions League and modern-day rivals Liverpool. The Citizens were playing with supreme confidence, but fell to defeat in their next outing on the road against Newcastle.

Having played midweek in the Champions League, City were not their normal dominant selves and showed signs of fatigue against Leeds following their defeat to Leverkusen, but managed to come away with an important victory after they were pushed all the way to the final whistle.

Away form was tested again against an unpredictable Fulham last time out, and squad depth has become a major factor in coming away with putting out strong performances. Guardiola will expect the same attitude and mentality once again here, especially at the Etihad.

Key Players To Watch

  • Jeremy Doku: This could be the best start to a season for Doku since joining the Citizens, as he continues to put in standout performances. He looks more comfortable and is playing free, allowing him to do what he does best and terrorize defences. His a high-impact player who leads the team in big chances created and successful take-ons, making him a constant threat, especially in the final third. 
  • Phil Foden: Foden seems to have returned to his best this season and is back to the high levels of quality that we have come to know from him. He brings energy, creativity, as well as goal-scoring abilities that have helped City out of worrying situations at times. He’s grown into one of the senior players of the team and certainly one of the most important. 
  • Erling Haaland: There is not much you can question when talking about Haaland. His desire to score goals is extraordinary, and he can do it from various positions, making him an absolute goal machine. He continues to be the primary goal scorer for City and is leading the race for the Golden Boot with 14 goals. He could join the 100th club with a goal in this fixture, a milestone he can achieve in record-breaking time. 

Man City Team News

Rodri (fitness) remains questionable as he never really recovered after suffering a nasty ACL injury and is finding it difficult to regain any kind of form. Mateo Kovacic (ankle) is battling with an ankle problem and is still expected to spend time out on the sidelines with an expected return sometime next year.

Sunderland Current Form – WLDDW

To say the Black Cats are overachieving is an understatement. Their return to the top flight has been built on structure and transition, which has seen them not only compete at the top of the table but also prove they are here to stay. The competitive nature and collective strength they play with have been a recipe for success.

Coming into this fixture, Sunderland pulled off a master class victory against league contenders Chelsea, secured back-to-back draws against Everton and early league front runners Arsenal, showcasing their ability to keep up with the high standards of the Premier League. However, a narrow defeat to Fulham put an end to their momentum and with work to do ahead of facing Bournemouth.

They welcomed the Cherries to the Stadium of Light, a place they have made a fortress this season, and came back from two goals down to win the game in the end, showing resilience and belief yet again. Going to Anfield to face Liverpool was another mammoth task, and a quick reset is required if they aim to come away from the Etihad with a positive result.

Key Players To Watch

  • Granit Xhaka: Xhaka has been the heart of this Sunderland team, using his experience and leadership qualities to transform the Black Cats into a real force to be reckoned with. His infectious winning mentality drives the team, often towards positive results. He can play many roles and is very effective in all phases of the game, making him a real asset. 
  • Enzo Le Fee: Le Fee is beginning to make his mark on this Sunderland outfit. He’s an intelligent and gifted footballer, who can slow the game down to draw opponents out of position, use his vision in making incisive passes, and skill to be the creative spark. Despite his small stature, he is not afraid of physical challenges and has shown strong defensive contributions. 
  • Bertrand Traore: Traore knows the Premier League well and has used his experience to good use. He thrives in one-on-one situations where he can utilise his pace and skill to drive into dangerous areas. His understanding of the game allows him to cut inside from the right to link play with quick, intricate passes, create opportunities for his teammates, and to get in on goal himself. 

Sunderland Team News

Habib Diarra (groin) has missed almost three months out and is hoping to return before the end of the year. Romaine Mundle (hamstring) is closing on making his debut this season after recovering from hamstring surgery.  

Predicted Line-Up

  1. Man City: 4-2-3-1

    Donnarumma, Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reily, Gonzalez, Reijnders, Foden, Silva, Doku, Haaland.

  2. Sunderland: 4-5-1

    Roefs, Hume, Mukiele, Ballard, Mandava, Le Fee, Xhaka, Sadiki, Traore, Talbi, Isidor.

Suggested Bets

Be sure to claim a healthy welcome bonus as nothing fires up the action like the promise of a boosted win. 

  1. Both Teams To Score: City have been vulnerable in defence, which could see Sunderland get in on goal. 9/10 (1.90) with Betway.

  2. Man City To win (Yes): The Citizens have lost just a single game at the Etihad and always find a way to win on their own turf. 3/4 (1.75) with Unibet.

  3. Total (Over 2.5): With the deep pool of quality City have at their disposal and Sunderland coming up with late goals, expect to be entertained. 9/10 (1.90) with William Hill.

Value Bets

Step into this long awaited matchup supported by expert insights and rewarding odds in these value bets ahead of kickoff. 

  1. Goal Scored Between (31-40): The early stages of this fixture will be a tactical battle but as time progresses and concentration level drop, opportunities will present themselves. 6/1 (7.0) with Midnite.

  2. Anytime Goal Scorer (Jeremy Doku): Doku is in great form, and with his skillset, expect him to cause trouble and get on the scoresheet. 5/2 (3.50) with BetMGM. 

  3. Last Team To Score (Sunderland). Sunderland play to last whistle and have become known to score late goals. 127/50 (3.54) with Hollywoodbets. 

Prediction: Man City To Win

Man City will want to maintain their place in the top three and in the hunt for first place. Despite the heroics shown by Sunderland and the performances they have been producing, the Citizens are largely the favourites to win this fixture, especially at the Etihad. 

Marc Strydom
Marc StrydomSports Writer

A dedicated sports lover with a wealth of experience in the sports betting world, Marc Strydom has mostly worked as an Editor-in-chief of a sports betting newspaper in South Africa. Marc’s enthusiasm covers many sports, though he is most passionate about football and the NBA. He has covered a wide range of topics on multiple respected platforms.

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