Manchester City XI vs Sunderland – Predicted lineup and team news

Manchester City travel to Tyne and Wear this evening looking to start 2026 as they finished 2025: in clinical, winning form.

Currently, Pep Guardiola’s side trail Arsenal at the summit of the Premier League. However, they arrive at the Stadium of Light with eight successive wins. Despite this impressive streak, the champions navigate a difficult January schedule. Specifically, it includes nine matches in just 31 days.

Now, they face a Sunderland team that remains unbeaten at home. Therefore, City must rely on superior squad depth to overcome a resilient Mackems defence. Previously, Guardiola used a settled lineup during this winning run. However, the festive period’s intensity may force tactical rotations. Crucially, the focus remains on momentum before a critical run of fixtures.

Manchester City Team News

Fortunately, Pep Guardiola provided a significant injury boost. Specifically, he confirmed that Rodri and Jeremy Doku could both feature tonight. Notably, Rodri sat as an unused substitute against Nottingham Forest. Now, he may play his first minutes since early November. In addition, Doku returns to contention after he missed four games. Likely, the manager will ease him back from the bench.

Nevertheless, the Sky Blues remain without four key players. Unfortunately, muscle injuries sideline John Stones and Oscar Bobb. Therefore, they will miss the trip to Wearside. Furthermore, Mateo Kovačić continues his rehabilitation from an ankle injury. Meanwhile, the Africa Cup of Nations claimed Rayan Aït-Nouri and Omar Marmoush. Consequently, academy graduate Nico O’Reilly expects to continue at left-back.