Manchester City vs Sunderland prediction: team news, lineups, expert analysis
On September 20, 2026, Manchester City and Sunderland will meet in the fifth round of the English Premier League. The hosts are expected to do nothing less than win.
Manchester City vs Sunderland: team news and expert analysis
The Manchester giants won both cups last season, Pep Guardiola's final campaign in England, but once again finished only second in the Premier League. Their new manager, Maresca, suffered a 0-3 defeat to Arsenal in the Super Cup. After that, however, they recorded nothing but victories, both in the Premier League and, last week, against Porto in the Champions League. In the latest round, they beat Manchester United in the derby despite playing with ten men, although the match was shrouded in controversy: the officials failed to spot an offside in the only goal. In the League Cup, they thrashed Norwich 5-0.
The team from the Stadium of Light, under current manager Le Bris, immediately secured promotion from the Championship and went on to finish seventh with 54 points. That earned them a place in the Europa League, where the English side made a winning start against AZ Alkmaar, albeit by a narrow 1-0 scoreline. They also beat Hull 1-0 in the League Cup. In the Premier League, they began with a defeat to Ipswich, but then overcame Fulham and drew with Brentford. This time, they could not get the better of the champions, Arsenal, losing 0-2.
The runners-up are scoring two goals per game under their current manager while conceding 0.5. The former Premier League newcomers are currently averaging 0.75 goals scored and 1.25 conceded per match.
Previous meetings: Manchester City vs Sunderland
City had won seven matches in a row. In January, however, they failed to score and had to settle for a goalless draw.
The hosts are unlikely to want to stop there. We are backing them with a handicap of "-1.5 goals" (odds – 1.93).
Manchester City vs Sunderland: key statistics and trends
- Manchester City have won six matches in a row
- 50% of Manchester City's matches feature goals from both teams, with an average total of 2.5 goals per game
- Sunderland have won three of their last five matches
- 50% of Sunderland's matches feature goals from both teams, with an average total of 2.0 goals per game
Manchester City vs Sunderland: possible starting lineups
Manchester City play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Donnarumma - Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, Guehi, Matheus Nunes - Fernandes, Bouaddi - Cherki, Foden, Semenyo - Haaland
Sunderland play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Roefs - Mandava, Ballard, Danzo, Mukiele - Sadiki, Xhaka - Angulo, Le Fee, Meunier - Brobbey
Follow the English Premier League table and check your team's form before placing a bet on the next match
