What Sunderland Can Expect from York City

Can Sunderland overcome one of last season's most dominant teams in National League history? York City arrive with a record-breaking attack, a formidable defence, and the confidence of champions.

York City favour lining up in a 4 – 2 – 3 – 1 formation in possession and a 4 – 3 – 3 shape without the ball. They boasted both the best attack and the best defence in the National League during the 2025 – 26 season, scoring 114 goals and conceding just 41. They averaged 2.5 goals scored and only 0.9 goals conceded per game, making the Yorkshire-based side both the most potent attacking force and the most resolute defence in last season's campaign.