Manchester City return to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday evening while they seek to close the gap on league leaders Arsenal.
Pep Guardiola’s side faces a Chelsea team in total disarray after the shock New Year’s Day dismissal of Enzo Maresca. Consequently, the Blues arrive under interim leadership for this daunting trip to Manchester. Despite winning silverware over the last 18 months, the Chelsea hierarchy sacked Maresca following a poor run. The Blues managed just two wins in their last seven league outings. Now, interim boss Calum McFarlane steps up from the Under-21s for a massive challenge.
He faces a City side that has won eight consecutive Premier League home matches. While Sunderland halted City’s six-match winning streak on Thursday, the hosts remain heavy favourites. Furthermore, City boast an impressive 11-match unbeaten run against the West London side. Guardiola’s men currently sit four points behind Arsenal and desperately need a victory to maintain their title charge.
Manchester City vs Chelsea – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Sunday, 4 January 2026
- Kick-off: 17:30 GMT
- Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
- Referee: Michael Oliver
- VAR: Darren England
- Last Meeting: Manchester City 3-1 Chelsea, 25 January 2025
Team News
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola continues to manage a demanding schedule and several injury concerns. Rodri and Jeremy Doku recently returned from long-term layoffs and featured against Sunderland. Therefore, the manager will carefully manage their minutes on Sunday. The squad was further thinned on New Year’s Day as Savinho and Nico Gonzalez picked up knocks. They join Oscar Bobb, John Stones, and Mateo Kovacic on a crowded treatment table. Additionally, Omar Marmoush and Rayan Aït-Nouri are away on AFCON duty.
Chelsea
Interim head coach Calum McFarlane must lead the team without midfield lynchpin Moises Caicedo. The midfielder is suspended after picking up his fifth booking against Bournemouth. Furthermore, the Blues will assess Marc Cucurella before the trip north. Levi Colwill, Romeo Lavia, Dario Essugo, and Jorrel Hato remain unavailable for selection. However, Cole Palmer is expected to start in an advanced role. He is searching for his first goal outside of London since late 2024.
Form
Manchester City
The Etihad Stadium has become an impenetrable fortress this season. Specifically, City have won eight straight Premier League home games. They also scored at least three goals in each of their last five home fixtures. Notably, Guardiola’s side averages 2.26 goals per game, the highest in the division. While a goalless draw at Sunderland recently frustrated them, they remain unbeaten in 12 meetings with Chelsea.
Chelsea
In contrast, Chelsea arrive with significant defensive vulnerabilities. The Blues have dropped 15 points from winning positions this season. This figure already equals their total for the entire previous campaign. Furthermore, their record in Manchester is poor. They have managed just three wins in their last 16 visits to the Etihad Stadium. Chelsea have also struggled in New Year openers, winning just one of their last nine.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester City predicted XI: Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Silva, Rodri, Reijnders; Cherki, Foden; Haaland
Chelsea predicted XI: Sanchez; Acheampong, Fofana, Chalobah, Gusto; James, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Pedro
How to watch Manchester City vs Chelsea?
The match will be broadcast live in the United Kingdom on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. Coverage begins at 17:00 GMT on Sunday, ahead of the 17:30 kick-off.
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