Man City vs Sunderland Prediction, Odds & Match Preview

Below, bettors can find Premier League odds and a Man City vs Sunderland prediction.

Man City vs Sunderland: Premier League Odds

Sunderland vs Man City Prediction

Based on Sunderland’s poor attacking record and their short turnaround for Sunday’s match, my Man City vs Sunderland prediction is the Man City 1H Moneyline (-145).

I don’t fully trust the Manchester City defense based on its first four performances. The good news here is that they’re facing a bad attack on short rest.

Both teams play on Thursday, but the fixture is far easier for City. Enzo Maresca’s side plays a home League Cup tie against Norwich City while Sunderland hosts a Europa League match.

Maresca can easily rotate his key players. Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris will not enjoy the same luxury at home.

Without any rest factors, Sunderland struggled early at Manchester City last year. The hosts took a 2-0 lead inside 45 minutes plus stoppage time without allowing a shot on target.

So far this season, Sunderland ranks amongst the league’s worst attacks. When they’ve created chances, it has come via penalty kicks.

Technically, Sunderland arrives as a positive attacking regression candidate. The Black Cats have scored three goals compared to 6.3 expected goals and 4.4 post-shot xG.

But they’ve now seen two penalty attempts in consecutive matches. Additionally, two of their 6.3 xG came against a poor Fulham side at home.

By last year’s metrics, City qualifies as the toughest test for the Sunderland defense all season. They’ll also miss Reinildo in defense through a suspension.

Lastly, City has enjoyed a strong first-half record at the Etihad since last season. Over the last 21 matches at home, City took a lead into the break 15 times.

Pair that with the spot advantage, and I predict Maresca’s side continues that strong record.