Match Preview: Manchester City v Sunderland — Tough Test For The Lads Ahead Of The Break

The Manchester City match preview against Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium on September 16, 2026, promises to be a tough test for the Lads. This encounter is the first away from home for Manchester City in a series of tough matches they've faced, noting that they've never won at Sunderland before. Earlier this week, the team secured a victory against the current Premier League champions, Newcastle, and also claimed their first Europa League win at the Stadium of Light, with the atmosphere playing a significant role in their success.

The focus has been on the attacking prowess of Sunderland, but defensively, Manchester City will have to be prepared for their technical abilities and movement, which can cause problems. Regis Le Bris, the City manager, will likely make several changes to his lineup for this match, leaving fans wondering about the potential return of Meunier, the role of Fofana, and whether Le Bris will opt for a five at the back for their first away Premier League match.

The team's record at the Etihad is not encouraging, having failed to win 12 attempts against Sunderland since 1998, with only two wins and 14 draws. This match is seen as a significant challenge for Manchester City, with the bookmakers giving them long odds at 8/1, while Sunderland are at 3/10 for a victory, and the draw at 4/1.

Historically, Sunderland has won 12 of their matches against Manchester City, with 14 draws and 49 wins for City. Their last Premier League meeting ended with a 3-0 victory for Manchester City on December 6, 2025.