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City's Bold Bench Strategy: Guardiola Reveals Start Against Sunderland

1 January 2026

City's Bold Bench Strategy: Guardiola Reveals Start Against Sunderland
City travel to Sunderland in a bid to narrow the gap at the top.

Lineups and Stakes

A number of City stars start on the bench as City travel to Sunderland in the Premier League’s round 19.

The manager Pep Guardiola names a starting XI led by Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and Savinho, with Jeremy Doku and Joško Gvardiol among the substitutes, while Rodri also features off the bench.

Defence: Nunes, Dias, Aké, Oriol.

Midfield: Nico González, Bernardo Silva, Foden.

Attack: Savinho, Haaland, Shorqi.

City starting XI (example):

Goalkeeper: Donnarumma

Ddefense: Nunes, Dias, Aké, Oriol

Midfield: Nico González, Bernardo Silva, Foden

Attack: Savinho, Haaland, Shorqi

Meanwhile, Sunderland line up with a traditional 4-3-3: goalkeeper Reeves; back four Home, Mookili, Alderite, Serkin; midfield Gertroida, Chaka, Lu Vi; front three Mayenda, Broby, Adingra.

City sit second in the table with 40 points, while Sunderland are eighth on 28 points.

The Sky Blues aim to close the Arsenal gap to two points by the end of the first half, while Sunderland seek a top-four push with a victory.

City starting snapshot: a blend of youth and experience aiming to balance attack with solid defense.

Cap it off with a quick one-liner: If City’s bench starts a game, even the substitutes bring snacks.

Punchline 1: City’s bench is so deep, even the coffee breaks schedule itself like a tactical timeout.

Punchline 2: Sunderland aren’t chasing trophies, they’re chasing WiFi signals in the stands—both are sometimes a little sketchy, but hopeful.

Author

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Emma Amme

I am Emma Amme, an English sports journalist born in 1998. Passionate about astronomy, contemporary dance, and handcrafted woodworking, I share my sensitive view of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who started on the City bench?

Joško Gvardiol, Jeremy Doku, and Rodri were listed on City’s bench.

Who was in goal for City in this lineup?

Donnarumma was listed as the goalkeeper.

What are the current standings mentioned?

City were second with 40 points; Sunderland were eighth with 28 points.