Manchester City vs. Sunderland AFC Prediction, Odds, Picks - Jan 1
The second league matchup between Manchester City and Sunderland AFC this season is on Thursday at Stadium of Light, after Manchester City won the first meeting 3-0. Below, you can find our prediction for this contest.
Manchester City has scored 43 goals in 18 games this season (first in Premier League), and Sunderland AFC has allowed 18 goals in 18 games (third in league). Sunderland AFC is 16th in the Premier League in goals scored (20 overall, 1.1 per game), and Manchester City is second in goals conceded (17 overall, 0.9 per game). With 43 goals scored and 17 allowed, Manchester City is first in the Premier League in goal differential. With 20 goals scored and 18 conceded, Sunderland AFC is eighth in the Premier League in goal differential.
In their first matchup, on December 6, Manchester City topped Sunderland AFC 3-0, with Manchester City taking 17 shots and Sunderland AFC taking six. Josko Gvardiol, Phil Foden and Ruben Dias scored one goal apiece for Manchester City. Sunderland AFC got a team-high one shot from Noah Sadiki.
Visit FOX Sports' Premier League hub for everything you need to make the most of this season’s action.
Manchester City vs. Sunderland AFC Odds & Betting Lines
| Moneyline Favorite | Moneyline Underdog | Total | Over Total Odds | Under Total Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester City -254 | Sunderland AFC +650 | 2.5 | -155 | +121 |
This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.
Manchester City vs. Sunderland AFC Prediction & Pick
- Moneyline Pick: Manchester City -254
- Total Pick: Over 2.5 goals
- Score Prediction: Manchester City 2, Sunderland AFC 1
Manchester City vs. Sunderland AFC Match Info
- Match Day: Thursday, January 1, 2026
- Match Time: 3:00 PM ET
- Location: Sunderland, England
- Stadium: Stadium of Light
- TV: USA Network
- Live Boxscore: FOX Sports
Manchester City's Moneyline Performance
- Thus far this season, Manchester City has been favored in 17 matches, and won 13.
- Manchester City (-254) has been at least this big a favorite in four games, and won every time.
- The likelihood of Manchester City winning this match is 71.8%, based on the moneyline.
Manchester City's Key Players
| Name | Games | Goals | Assists | Shots | Chances Created |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erling Haaland | 18 | 19 | 4 | 59 | 9 |
| Phil Foden | 16 | 7 | 2 | 23 | 23 |
| Rayan Cherki | 14 | 2 | 7 | 10 | 25 |
| Tijani Reijnders | 18 | 4 | 2 | 21 | 6 |
| Jeremy Doku | 15 | 1 | 4 | 8 | 29 |
Manchester City's Recent Performance
| Opponent | Date | Home/Away | Result | Score | Shots | Opp. Shots |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nottingham Forest | 12/27/2025 | A | W | 2-1 | 16 | 6 |
| West Ham | 12/20/2025 | H | W | 3-0 | 19 | 8 |
| Crystal Palace | 12/14/2025 | A | W | 3-0 | 6 | 14 |
| Sunderland AFC | 12/6/2025 | H | W | 3-0 | 17 | 6 |
| Fulham | 12/2/2025 | A | W | 5-4 | 9 | 12 |
Sunderland AFC's Moneyline Performance
- This season Sunderland AFC has been an underdog in 16 matches, and pulled off six upsets.
- This season Sunderland AFC (+650) has been at least this big an underdog in four games, and won one.
- Sunderland AFC has a 13.3% chance of winning this match, based on the moneyline.
Sunderland AFC's Key Players
| Name | Games | Goals | Assists | Shots | Chances Created |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Granit Xhaka | 18 | 1 | 5 | 7 | 17 |
| Enzo Le Fee | 17 | 2 | 3 | 8 | 19 |
| Wilson Isidor | 18 | 4 | 0 | 18 | 1 |
| Daniel Ballard | 15 | 2 | 1 | 10 | 2 |
| Brian Brobbey | 15 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 0 |
Sunderland AFC's Recent Performance
| Opponent | Date | Home/Away | Result | Score | Shots | Opp. Shots |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leeds | 12/28/2025 | H | D | 1-1 | 6 | 17 |
| Brighton | 12/20/2025 | A | D | 0-0 | 12 | 16 |
| Newcastle | 12/14/2025 | H | W | 1-0 | 4 | 4 |
| Manchester City | 12/6/2025 | A | L | 3-0 | 6 | 17 |
| Liverpool | 12/3/2025 | A | D | 1-1 | 8 | 20 |
FOX Sports created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Want great stories delivered right to your inbox?
