Man City's Rising Star Cherki Ready to Shine Against Sunderland in Predicted XI
Manchester City will look to kick off 2026 on the right note when they travel to face Sunderland in the Premier League on New Year's Day.
The Citizens dropped further points behind table-toppers Arsenal on Thursday but have the opportunity to cut the deficit back to just two points with a victory over the Black Cats. Pep Guardiola's squad will be brimming with confidence after securing eight consecutive victories across all tournaments, including their commanding 3-0 win over Sunderland in early December.
City face nine fixtures spanning four different competitions throughout January and must rotate their squad when feasible, though injuries and international call-ups restrict Guardiola's available options. Nevertheless, he possesses considerable quality in his ranks.
Here's how City might set up at the Stadium of Light.
Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Sunderland (4-1-4-1)
GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma—While Sunderland aren't prolific in front of goal, 80% of their strikes this campaign have arrived at home, where they remain unbeaten in Premier League action. Donnarumma should anticipate a busy afternoon.
RB: Rico Lewis—Guardiola may need to seize every chance to freshen his lineup, and right-back represents one position that could see changes against Sunderland. Matheus Nunes has featured heavily recently and might step aside for Lewis.
CB: Rúben Dias—Dias unleashed a spectacular effort in the previous meeting that echoed Vincent Kompany's memorable goal, though his attention will turn to containing threats like Wilson Isidor and Brian Brobbey on Thursday.
CB: Joško Gvardiol—Gvardiol also found the net against Sunderland with a header past Robin Roefs, bringing his overall goal tally for the Citizens to 13.
LB: Nico O'Reilly—With Rayan Aït-Nouri away on international duty with Algeria at the Africa Cup of Nations, Guardiola has limited options to give O'Reilly a break despite the youngster's demanding recent workload.
DM: Nico González—While Rodri made his return to the substitutes' bench against Nottingham Forest and will gradually work his way back into the starting eleven, Nico should retain his place against Sunderland.
DM: Tijjani Reijnders—Reijnders has rediscovered his scoring form with consecutive goals against West Ham United and Forest, the Dutch midfielder posing significant danger in the final third.
RW: Savinho—Right wing offers another opportunity for Guardiola to rotate his squad. Potentially coming in for Bernardo Silva, Savinho could earn a chance to showcase his abilities as City near the acquisition of Antoine Semenyo.
AM: Rayan Cherki—Cherki dazzled in the reverse fixture with a spectacular rabona assist and proved decisive against Forest with both a goal and assist for the Citizens. His current form is electrifying.
LW: Phil Foden—While Cherki's excellence has somewhat overshadowed Foden lately, the English star continues to deliver for City. He finished off the Frenchman's clever pass in the Etihad encounter with Sunderland and now boasts 13 goal contributions in all competitions this season.
ST: Erling Haaland—Haaland has failed to score in consecutive starts just once this season, which spells danger for Sunderland considering he drew a blank at the City Ground. The Norwegian striker will be eager to register his first-ever goal against the Black Cats.
