Match preview
Pep Guardiola’s men take on the Black Cats at the Stadium of Light on Thursday at 8pm (UK) in the North East.
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To prepare for the clash with the newly promoted side – the surprise package of this season’s Premier League campaign – Guardiola put his players through their paces at the City Football Academy.
The Blues come into the match in top form after eight straight wins, including a 3-0 victory over Regis Le Bris’s men at the Etihad.
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But our opponents are unbeaten at home this season, winning five of their first nine games, including a derby win over Newcastle and draws against Arsenal and Aston Villa.
The players were in good spirits as they aim for a successful start to 2026 with plenty to play for in the coming days, weeks and months.
Check out photos from the workout below.