Man City Clash with Chelsea: Battle Preview, Bold Predictions & Starting XI Revealed
Chelsea step onto the pitch for their initial outing following Enzo Maresca's exit as they face the challenging journey to Premier League title contenders Manchester City this Sunday.
Maresca's abrupt departure from Stamford Bridge has captured media attention in recent days as BlueCo terminate another manager's tenure. The Italian's strained relations with the ownership contributed to his contract cancellation, with Under-21s manager Calum McFarlane now overseeing the encounter against City.
Poor results also played a role in Maresca's dismissal, alongside speculation linking him with City as Pep Guardiola's potential long-term replacement. Confusion surrounds Chelsea as they head to the Etihad Stadium searching for just their second victory in eight Premier League matches.
City will be keen to capitalize on Chelsea's turmoil as they attempt to maintain their pursuit of title competitors Arsenal. Their scoreless stalemate at Sunderland enabled the Gunners to extend their lead at the top, making another home stumble against Chelsea unthinkable.
Guardiola's squad had secured eight consecutive victories before their draw on Wearside and they enter as favorites to secure their opening triumph of 2026 against the manager-less Blues.
Here's Sports Illustrated's analysis of this massive encounter.
What Time Does Man City vs. Chelsea Kick Off?
Man City vs. Chelsea Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Man City | Chelsea |
|---|---|
Sunderland 0–0 Man City - 01/01/26 | Chelsea 2–2 Bournemouth - 30/12/25 |
Nottingham Forest 1–2 Man City - 27/12/25 | Chelsea 1–2 Aston Villa - 27/12/25 |
Man City 3–0 West Ham - 20/12/25 | Newcastle 2–2 Chelsea - 20/12/25 |
Man City 2–0 Brentford - 17/12/25 | Cardiff 1–3 Chelsea - 16/12/25 |
Crystal Palace 0–3 Man City - 14/12/25 | Chelsea 2–0 Everton - 13/12/25 |
How to Watch Man City vs. Chelsea on TV, Live Stream
Country | TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Ultra HD, Sky GO, Sky GO Extra |
United States | NBCSN, Peacock |
Canada | DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada, Fubo Sports Network Canada |
Mexico | Not televised |
Man City Team News
A midweek injury to Nico González makes him questionable for the defensive midfield role against Chelsea, potentially opening the door for Rodri's earlier-than-anticipated return to the starting eleven. The Spanish international impressed when substituted at the Stadium of Light.
Savinho also sustained an injury on New Year's Day and the Brazilian will be sidelined against the Blues, joining John Stones, Oscar Bobb and former Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovačić in the medical bay.
Rayan Aït-Nouri and Omar Marmoush are both unavailable due to international commitments at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Joško Gvardiol and Tijjani Reijnders may return to the starting formation against Chelsea.
Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Chelsea
Man City predicted lineup vs. Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly; Rodri, Reijnders; Cherki, Silva, Foden; Haaland.
Chelsea Team News
McFarlane is expected to maintain most of Maresca's recent formation from the Bournemouth match but will be disappointed to lose Moisés Caicedo, who faces suspension after accumulating his fifth Premier League yellow card of the campaign.
Former City midfielder Roméo Lavia is also missing from the midfield alongside summer acquisition Dário Essugo, while Levi Colwill looks set to be accompanied by fellow defender Jorrel Hato on the injury list.
Marc Cucurella remains doubtful for the City fixture and his absence would be significantly felt if he cannot feature, while Mykhailo Mudryk continues his suspension following a failed drug screening.
Chelsea will require Cole Palmer to shine against his former club.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Man City
Chelsea predicted lineup vs. Man City (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; James, Fernández; Estêvão, Palmer, Neto; Pedro.
Man City vs. Chelsea Score Prediction
City emerged victorious in both encounters with Chelsea last season and will be favored to secure another win over their fellow 'Big Six' opponents on Sunday. The Citizens are displaying superior form and possess a collection of in-form attackers ready to trouble the Blues.
Chelsea will lack a permanent manager on the touchline but the squad might respond positively to Maresca's surprising dismissal on the field. This fixture can deliver unpredictable moments and McFarlane's team certainly possesses the ability to threaten City on the counter-attack.