Overview
Sunderland entered this match with a clear awareness that this could be the best opportunity for them to end the series of terrible results against the Manchester giants.
Sunderland has lost their last eight encounters with Man City in all competitions. The last time they avoided defeat was a 2-2 draw in April 2014. And the winning streak is even longer as they have never defeated Man City since November 2013.
The 1-0 victory at the Stadium of Light came after a similar result at this place in December 2012. However, since those 2 consecutive victories against the opponent from Manchester, Sunderland has no longer maintained its effectiveness in subsequent receptions.
The 9-match unbeaten streak at Stadium of Light this season gives Regis Le Bris' team a basis to nurture hope against the eight-time Premier League champion. However, injuries or participation in the African Cup may weaken their prospects.
Sunderland is still entering this week with a 3-match unbeaten streak, including 2 draws in the context of the absence of AFCON players, and keeping a clean sheet in 2 matches in this streak.
After successively drawing with Aston Villa (1-1) and Arsenal (2-2) right at home, Le Bris' team now aims to complete an impressive hat-trick, keeping a clean sheet against all three championship contenders when playing at Wearside.
However, the result is still a big question mark, especially because Man City often has an unbeatable appearance every time they enter a winning streak.
The hard-fought 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest last weekend was a match where they may have dropped points last season. Guardiola also hinted at this in his post-match statement, when mentioning Rayan Cherki's inspiring performance at City Ground.
Recently sublimated form helps the French midfielder rise to the top of the league's assist list (7), equal to Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United.
Meanwhile, only Erling Haaland (8 goals, 3 assists) and Fernandes (3 goals, 6 assists) contributed more directly to the goal than Cherki - who has one goal and 7 assists since the beginning of November. These numbers show the impact of this summer contract, after a period of interruption due to injury.
With the goal of maintaining his peak form, Cherki is expected to continue to play a key role for the away team.
The current winning streak is also Man City's longest winning streak since they won 9 consecutive victories at the end of the 2023-2024 season, showing formidable pressure in the championship race.
Personnel situation
Sunderland is facing a serious shortage of players due to injuries and international obligations.
Ajibola Alese (as) and Daniel Ballard are still being treated at the hospital, while Habib Diarra, Bertrand Traore, Chemsdine Talbi, Noah Sadiki, Arthur Masuaku and Reinildo Mandava are currently participating in the African Cup.
In Wilson Isidor's 4 goals in the Premier League this season, 3 goals were scored at Stadium of Light. This striker expects to improve his performance against Man City at home, although it is likely only from the bench.
Man City has fewer players absent due to AFCON - including Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait Nouri - but Guardiola is having a headache because of 4 injuries: John Stones (muscle), Mateo Kovacic (ankle), Jeremy Doku (leg) and Oscar Bobb (muscle).
Expected lineup:
Roefs, Hume, Mukiele, Alderete, Cirkin, Xhaka, Geertruida, Rigg, Le Fee, Adingra, Brobbey.
Man City: Donnarumma, Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly, Silva, Gonzalez, Reijnders, Cherki, Foden, Haaland.
The match between Sunderland and Man City takes place at 3:00 AM on January 3rd (Vietnam time).
