THE Premier League rings in the New Year with an intriguing clash at the Stadium of Light as high-flying Sunderland host champions Manchester City on New Year’s Day.
The Black Cats have been the surprise package of the season, sitting impressively in 6th place upon their return to the top flight. However, they face the ultimate test against a Manchester City side determined to hunt down league leaders Arsenal in the title race.
You can get involved in this New Year’s Day headline fixture with a generous £50 welcome offer when you sign up via our link, which automatically applies the Betfred promo code.
The offer for Sunderland vs Man City
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The betting angle: Can the Black Cats stun the champions?
Sunderland’s return to the Premier League has been nothing short of a fairytale under Régis Le Bris, with the Wearsiders currently sitting in the European spots. However, reality has bitten recently, with the Black Cats winless in their last three outings as fatigue starts to set in.
Manchester City, currently 2nd, arrive in ominously good form. Pep Guardiola’s men have won their last four league games, scoring freely. With Erling Haaland rested over Christmas, he will be fresh and eager to exploit a Sunderland defence that has conceded in consecutive games against lesser opposition.
While the Stadium of Light will be rocking, City’s quality usually shines through in these winter fixtures. We expect Sunderland to score—they have only failed to find the net twice at home all season—but City should have too much firepower in the end.
- Our tip: Man City to win & Both Teams To Score.
- The longshot: Man City to win 3-1.
How to use the Betfred promo code
- Click here to open your account at Betfred.
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📺 How to watch Sunderland vs Man City
- Date: Thursday, January 1, 2026
- Kick-off: 8:00pm GMT
- Venue: Stadium of Light
- TV Channel: Sky Sports Main Event & Sky Sports Premier League.
- Highlights: Sky Sports YouTube & Match of the Day (BBC One).
About the author
Craig Mahood
Craig Mahood is an expert in sports betting and online casinos and has worked with the company since 2020. He joined the Betting & Gaming team at The Sun in June 2022 and works closely with the leading bookmakers and online gaming companies to provide content on all areas of sports betting and gaming. He previously worked as a Digital Sports Reporter at the Scottish Sun, covering Scottish football with particular focus on Celtic and Rangers, As well as football, he has covered horse racing, boxing, darts, the Olympics and tennis for the Sun.
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