Sunderland’s Home Form and League Position
Sunderland are unbeaten in nine home Premier League matches this season (five wins, four draws), most recently drawing 1-1 with Leeds. The Black Cats have not lost their opening league game in the past seven calendar years (three wins, four draws).
Despite their strong home form, Sunderland have managed only two wins in 11 matches against teams starting this round 13th or higher, recording six draws and three defeats in those encounters.
Manchester City’s Winning Streak and Title Bid
Manchester City have won six consecutive Premier League games, including a 2-1 victory at Nottingham Forest, to maintain pressure on Arsenal at the top. City have also won four away matches in a row.
Historically, City have opened each of the last 13 calendars years with a league win and have won 18 of their last 19 opening games in a new year—the sole defeat was at Sunderland in 2012.
Head-to-Head Record and Recent Encounters
Manchester City have won the last seven Premier League meetings with Sunderland, including a 3-0 victory in December. Sunderland, however, have more home wins against City than any other ‘big six’ club, with five wins, one draw, and seven losses.
City have lost just one of their last 30 league away games against newly-promoted teams (23 wins, six draws), underlining their strength on the road.
Key Stats and Match Trends
The away side failed to score before half-time in seven of Sunderland’s last eight league matches. Ten Sunderland games this season were level at half-time, the most in the league (four wins, four losses at HT).
City concede late: nine of their 11 away league goals conceded this season have come after half-time.
Players to Watch and Team News
Brian Brobbey has scored two key home goals for Sunderland this season, with each of his last nine club goals coming at home. City’s Tijjani Reijnders netted his fifth club goal at the weekend, with six of his last goals scored away.
Sunderland will be without Dan Ballard and several Africa Cup of Nations absentees. Manchester City’s injury list includes Jérémy Doku.
Betting Outlook
Despite Sunderland’s formidable home record, recent vulnerability suggests Manchester City may have the edge.