Mansion Sports – The 2025/2026 Premier League season delivers another compelling fixture as Manchester City prepares to host Sunderland on Matchweek 15.

The match is scheduled to take place at the Etihad Stadium on Friday, 5 December 2025 at 15:00 local time.

Manchester City enters this contest with the ambition of securing their tenth league victory of the season as Sunderland visits on Saturday afternoon.

The last meeting between the two sides took place in March 2017, when City earned a 2–0 win at the Stadium of Light through goals from Sergio Agüero and Leroy Sané.

Below is Mansion Sports’ full prediction for the Manchester City vs Sunderland lineup in December 2025.

Team Conditions Ahead of the Match

Manchester City

After nearly squandering a two-goal advantage before securing a dramatic 3–2 victory over Leeds United last weekend, Manchester City faced another stern test during their midweek match against Fulham.

City led 5–1 before defensive lapses allowed Fulham to score three times, with Joško Gvardiol making a 97th-minute goal-line clearance to preserve the win.

The match also marked Erling Haaland’s milestone of 100 Premier League goals in record time. Pep Guardiola admitted he had no explanation for the team’s pronounced second-half dip, stressing that even a single defeat could complicate the title race with Arsenal at the top of the table.

Arsenal could extend their lead to eight points with a win over Aston Villa earlier in the weekend, while City prepares to face a Sunderland side they have beaten seven times in a row with a combined score of 20–6.

Manchester City also boasts a dominant record against newly promoted teams, winning 24 of their last 26 encounters (D2).

They are chasing a seventh straight home Premier League victory at the Etihad, where they have scored 19 home goals this season — the highest in the league.

Sunderland

In contrast to City’s dramatic victories, Sunderland endured a disappointing 1–0 defeat at Craven Cottage two weeks ago.

However, they responded strongly by collecting four points from matches against Bournemouth and Liverpool.

After overturning a 0–2 deficit to beat Bournemouth 3–2, Sunderland came close to securing a sensational win at Anfield.

Chemsdine Talbi’s goal put them ahead, but an own goal by Nordi Mukiele in the 81st minute forced a 1–1 draw.

Manager Régis Le Bris praised his players’ resilience and acknowledged the support of the fans, emphasizing that the team believes they can win anywhere as they continue adapting swiftly to the Premier League.

Ahead of his 50th birthday on Saturday, Le Bris stated that he does not expect gifts from Guardiola, though he still urges his players to deliver their best performance to maintain their place in the top six and potentially climb back into the top four.

Sunderland has not beaten Manchester City since November 2013 (1–0). A defeat this weekend would mark their 300th Premier League loss, making them the ninth club to reach that tally — and possibly in fewer matches than Fulham’s previous record of 682 games.

Manchester City vs Sunderland Predicted Lineups – December 2025

Manchester City (4-2-3-1)

Manchester City remains without Rodri and Mateo Kovačić. Rodri requires additional time to recover from the hamstring injury he sustained in October, while Kovačić faces a longer spell on the sidelines due to ankle and heel issues.

Nico González has delivered consistent performances as a holding midfielder across City’s last eight matches and, despite being substituted early against Fulham, is expected to retain his starting place.

With a Champions League clash against Real Madrid looming next week, Guardiola may rotate several positions.

Abdukodir Khusanov, Rico Lewis, Rayan Aït-Nouri, John Stones, and Nathan Aké are all competing for spots in the back line.

Guardiola may also replace Bernardo Silva with Savinho or Rayan Cherki on the right flank, though Phil Foden’s impressive form — scoring four goals in his last two Premier League matches — makes him a near-certain starter in the attacking midfield role behind Haaland.

Manchester City Predicted XI

Sunderland (5-2-3)

For Sunderland, Habib Diarra remains unavailable with a long-term groin injury. Dennis Cirkin (wrist), Leo Hjelde (Achilles), and Aji Alese (shoulder) are still working toward full fitness and remain doubtful.

Régis Le Bris deployed a five-defender system against Liverpool and is expected to maintain that shape against Manchester City.

Trai Hume and Reinildo Mandava are set to operate as wing-backs, with Nordi Mukiele, Daniel Ballard, and Omar Alderete forming the central defensive trio.

Granit Xhaka is expected to partner Noah Sadiki in midfield. Brian Brobbey, who earned his first start of the season against Liverpool, will aim to retain his place while competing with Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda.

Sunderland Predicted XI

The match serves as an important test for both sides and carries significant implications for their respective positions in the table.