Man City XI vs Sunderland: predicted lineup, team news and injury update

Manchester City could be boosted by the return of Jeremy Doku for their New Year’s Day Premier League clash away to Sunderland, with Pep Guardiola hinting the winger may feature after a spell on the sidelines.

City travel to the Stadium of Light on Thursday evening knowing they need to respond after Arsenal moved five points clear at the top of the table earlier this week. According to Guardiola, both Doku and Rodri are edging closer to full fitness, although neither is expected to start.

Doku has missed Manchester City’s last four matches in all competitions due to a leg injury. Speaking ahead of the game, Guardiola confirmed the Belgian could return to the matchday squad, but any involvement is likely to come from the bench rather than from the start.

Rodri is also available for limited minutes after returning to the squad against Nottingham Forest last weekend. The Ballon d’Or winner has not featured since early November, and his gradual reintegration is viewed as crucial as City look to sustain their title challenge.

“Maybe Rodri can play a few minutes. We need it desperately. Doku, maybe. John and Oscar, no,” Guardiola said.

John Stones and Oscar Bobb remain unavailable for the trip to Wearside, while Mateo Kovacic continues his recovery from an ankle injury. City are also without Rayan Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmoush, who are both away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Guardiola has largely stuck with a settled XI in recent weeks, but rotation remains possible given the congested fixture schedule. City are close to completing a move for Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, although the deal will not be finalised in time for this match.

City are expected to line up in a 4-3-3 shape, with continuity favoured across the back line and midfield. Gianluigi Donnarumma is tipped to start in goal, with Matheus Nunes, Rúben Dias, Joško Gvardiol and Nico O’Reilly forming the defence. Bernardo Silva, Nico Gonzalez and Tijjani Reijnders are likely to operate in midfield, while Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden support Erling Haaland in attack.

Doku and Rodri are both expected to be named among the substitutes as Guardiola manages their return carefully.

The Premier League fixture kicks off at 8pm GMT on Thursday 1 January 2026 at the Stadium of Light. The match will be shown live on Sky Sports.

City face a demanding run of fixtures in January, making careful squad management essential. A positive result against Sunderland would keep pressure on Arsenal at the top of the table, while gradual returns for Doku and Rodri could shape Guardiola’s selection over the coming weeks.

Should Guardiola risk Doku or Rodri from the start at the Stadium of Light, or is easing them back from the bench the smarter move?