Mansion Sports – The Premier League 2025/2026 season once again brings a highly anticipated encounter as Manchester City prepare 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 aim to secure their 10th league victory of the season as they welcome Sunderland in front of their home supporters on Saturday afternoon.

The two clubs last met in March 2017, when Manchester City claimed a 2-0 Premier League win at the Stadium of Light through goals from Sergio Aguero and Leroy Sane.

Below is a detailed look at the conditions of both teams ahead of the match, followed by information on where to watch the Manchester City vs Sunderland showdown this December.

Team Conditions Ahead of the Match

Manchester City

After unexpectedly squandering a two-goal lead before sealing a dramatic 3-2 victory in stoppage time against Leeds United last week, Manchester City were once again pushed to their limit when Fulham delivered fierce resistance in a nine-goal thriller at Craven Cottage on Tuesday night.

City were leading 5-1 entering the final half hour, but recurring defensive vulnerabilities left them under unnecessary pressure. Fulham responded with three unanswered goals before Josko Gvardiol executed a decisive goal-line clearance in the 97th minute.

The dramatic affair also witnessed a historic moment as Erling Haaland became the fastest player to reach 100 Premier League goals.

Despite the result, Pep Guardiola expressed concern over his team’s declining second-half performances and warned that dropping even a single match could significantly complicate the title race against Arsenal.

Arsenal could extend their lead to eight points if they defeat Aston Villa in Saturday’s opening fixture. 

Meanwhile, second-placed Manchester City prepare to face Sunderland, a team they have beaten in their last seven encounters with an aggregate score of 20-6.

City also carry an impressive record of 24 wins from their last 26 Premier League meetings with newly promoted sides. Entering the weekend, they seek a seventh consecutive home league victory at the Etihad, where they have already scored a league-high 19 home goals this season.

For this match, City will continue to be without two key midfielders, Rodri and Mateo Kovacic. Rodri requires additional recovery time following a hamstring injury sustained in October, while Kovacic remains sidelined due to ankle and heel issues.

Nico Gonzalez, who has featured as the holding midfielder in City’s last eight matches across all competitions, was withdrawn early in the midweek win over Fulham but is expected to remain Guardiola’s preferred starter.

With a Champions League fixture against Real Madrid looming next week, Guardiola may rotate several positions. Abdukodir Khusanov, Rico Lewis, Rayan Ait-Nouri, John Stones, and Nathan Ake are all in contention for roles in the defensive line.

Guardiola may also consider replacing captain Bernardo Silva with Savinho or Rayan Cherki on the right flank. 

Meanwhile, Phil Foden—who has scored four goals in his last two Premier League matches—is expected to retain his place as the central attacking midfielder behind Erling Haaland.

Sunderland

In contrast to Manchester City, Sunderland failed to secure a positive result in their visit to Craven Cottage two weeks ago, suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat.

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

After overturning a two-goal deficit to defeat Bournemouth 3-2 at the Stadium of Light last weekend, Sunderland nearly achieved a remarkable victory at Anfield on Wednesday night.

Chemsdine Talbi put Sunderland ahead, yet an unfortunate own goal by Nordi Mukiele in the 81st minute forced them to settle for a 1-1 draw.

Manager Regis Le Bris praised the character shown by his squad and acknowledged the vital support of the fans, emphasizing the team’s growing belief that they can compete anywhere as they continue adapting impressively in their first season back in the Premier League.

Le Bris, who turns 50 on Saturday, does not expect any favors from Guardiola, but he continues to motivate his players to showcase their full potential.

Sunderland seek to maintain their place within the top six and potentially reclaim a spot in the top four.

The team has not defeated Manchester City since November 2013 under Martin O’Neill, when they secured a narrow 1-0 win. The club has recorded 299 defeats across 622 Premier League fixtures.

A loss this weekend would make them the ninth team to reach 300 defeats and the fastest club to do so, surpassing Fulham’s record of 682 matches.

In terms of squad availability, Sunderland will still be without Habib Diarra, who is recovering from a long-term groin injury.

Dennis Cirkin (wrist), Leo Hjelde (Achilles), and Aji Alese (shoulder) also remain uncertain as they have yet to regain full fitness.

Le Bris deployed a five-man defensive unit in the draw against Liverpool and is expected to retain the same structure against Manchester City.

Trai Hume and Reinildo Mandava will assume roles as wing-backs, supporting a central defensive trio of Nordi Mukiele, Daniel Ballard, and Omar Alderete.

In midfield, Granit Xhaka—who has suffered 15 defeats in 18 appearances against Manchester City—is projected to partner Noah Sadiki.

In attack, Brian Brobbey, who earned his first Premier League start against Liverpool, has a strong chance of keeping his place, although Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda remain viable alternatives.

Where to Watch Manchester City vs Sunderland December 2025

For viewers searching for information on where to watch Manchester City vs Sunderland this December, the availability may vary depending on your location. The match can be accessed through the following streaming platforms:

• Fubo
• Discovery+
• Stan Sport
• Star Sports
• beIN Sports
• ESPN
• Disney+
• SuperSport

The clash between Manchester City and Sunderland promises intensity and unpredictability as both sides strive to protect their positions in the league standings.