Sunderland vs Manchester City
Manchester City are among the most in-form clubs in the Premier League right now. Pep Guardiola’s men are undefeated in eight consecutive games across all competitions. As a result, they are second in the English top-flight standings, only two points adrift of frontrunners Arsenal. If certain Premier League 2025 results go their way this week, the Sky Blues could reclaim the top berth for the first time in quite some time.
Having a lighter schedule has surely helped Manchester City, as they haven’t faced a Top 6 squad this December. Following their 2-1 win against Nottingham Forest last Saturday, Manchester City will face Sunderland on Thursday for their final league meeting this term.
Unlike Manchester City, Sunderland’s recent games have produced a mixed bag. The Black Cats are on a three-game unbeaten run, but they dropped points in their last two, so they’re stuck in seventh place in the standings.
Talking Points
Sunderland suffer another lineup blow
Sunderland will likely play on the back foot against Manchester City. However, they will find it difficult to absorb the Sky Blues’ pressure, as they will be without one of their key defenders. Dan Ballard is doubtful to play this Thursday, as he has yet to fully recover from the ankle injury he picked up in their goalless draw against Brighton a few days ago.
The Black Cats felt Ballard’s absence in their 1-1 draw against Leeds United, as they conceded a second-half equaliser from Dominic Calvert-Lewin after being up by one goal. With Ballard on the sidelines, 23-year-old defender Dennis Cirkin should continue to start alongside Omar Alderete, Trai Hume, and Nordi Mukiele at the rearguard.
Regis Le Bris’ squad is the most affected team by the Africa Cup of Nations, as six of their key players are playing in the continental tournament, namely Chemsdine Talbi (Morocco), Noah Sadiki (DR Congo), Arthur Masuaku (DR Congo), Reinildo Mandava (Mozambique), Habib Diarra (Senegal), and Bertrand Traore (Burkina Faso). Their absences will mean more opportunities for youngsters like Chris Rigg, Romaine Mundle, and Brian Brobbey – who has been the starting No. 9 in the past few games.
Cherki is becoming Manchester City’s talisman
Manchester City are firing on all cylinders during their winning streak. Since a 2-0 defeat against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League in late November, the Sky Blues have scored 25 goals in the last eight games while conceding only eight on the other end.
Erling Haaland’s exploits in the final third have been well documented. But we would be remiss if we didn’t give Rayan Cherki a shoutout, as his creativity could swing the title race in Manchester City’s favour.
The 22-year-old Frenchman, who joined the team last summer, has provided seven Premier League assists since the start of November, more than any other player in the competition in that time. Cherki was the Man of the Match against Nottingham Forest, as he assisted the opener for Tijjani Reijnders before scoring late in the second half.
History
Manchester City won 3-0 in the reverse fixture earlier this month against 10-man Sunderland, as Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, and Phil Foden were on the scoresheet, and Luke O’Nien received a red card during stoppage time. The Sky Blues have lost just one of their last 30 away Premier League matches against promoted clubs (W23, D6), losing 3-2 to Norwich City in September 2019.
Since a 2-2 draw in April 2014, Manchester City have won their last seven Premier League matches against Sunderland. The Black Cats have lost their last three Premier League home matches against Manchester City after winning four straight against them before this. However, Sunderland haven’t lost their first league game in any of the last seven calendar years (W3, D4) since a 1-0 loss to Barnsley in the 2017-18 Championship campaign.
Betting Tip
The Premier League 2025 odds favor a lopsided match in the visitors’ favour. Manchester City are 1.38 favourites to claim maximum points, while Sunderland are huge 6.50 underdogs, and a draw is valued at 4.38 in the 1X2 market. With the Sky Blues flying high, it’s difficult to envision the Black Cats mounting a serious challenge.
SBOTOP bettors may be tempted to add Over 2.50 at 1.68, Over 2.75 at 1.87, Over 3.00 at 2.11, and even Total Goals 4-6 at 2.82 to the parlay. Meanwhile, the Correct Score of 3-0 in favour of Manchester City – the result of their last league meeting – is on offer at 9.80.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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