Sunderland vs Manchester City: Premier League betting tips, odds and predictions

• Ladbrokes are backing Manchester City to beat Sunderland on New Year's Day

• Rayan Cherki is tipped for an assist with Granit Xhaka being shown a yellow card

• Both teams are predicted to score

Manchester City kick off 2026 with a potentially tricky away trip to seventh-placed Sunderland as they continue their pursuit of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League.

Ahead of Gameweek 19, City currently sit two points behind the Gunners at the summit after an impressive stretch of form which has seen them win each of their last eight games in all competitions, including an away win to Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

But to continue that run they will have to do something no other team has done this season and that is beat Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in the Premier League, with the Black Cats continuing to enjoy themselves in the top flight, particularly at their home stadium.

Ahead of what should be an exciting game on New Year's Day, check out our tips and predictions for your Sunderland vs Manchester City bet builder.

After a steady start, Rayan Cherki's Man City career has really burst into life in recent weeks with six goal contributions in his last five games in all competitions, including a goal and assist in the 2-1 win at Forest.

The dazzling French playmaker looks to be full of confidence right now and after two assists against the Black Cats earlier this month, he will be in confident mood to continue his good form. Out of the goal or assist markets, we think backing another assist is the way to go.

Sunderland are just one of two Premier League sides yet to taste defeat at home this season, proving they are a match for anyone with their home crowd roaring them on.

Regis Le Bris' side have also found the net in every single one of their home games and with City hardly formidable at the back despite their positive string of results, it looks like a game where both sides score.

Sunderland have several players in danger of picking up a suspension before the threshold increases after this Gameweek and with the Black Cats needing to disrupt City's rhythm in the midfield, our experts reckon a home player is the best pick in the cards market.

Granit Xhaka has never been a stranger to the referee's book and will be tasked with taking the game to the likes of Cherki, Phil Foden and Co, we think a fifth booking looks likely.

Rounding off our selections is Man City to end Sunderland's Premier League home record with a victory in the North-East.

While the likes of Arsenal, Aston Villa and Newcastle have tried and failed to win at the Stadium of Light this season, City are looking formidable at the moment and should extend their winning run to nine games.

You can bet on each of these markets individually, or combine them into one large Arsenal vs Aston Villa Bet Builder.

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All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.