Manchester City v Chelsea – Line-ups, stats and preview
Manchester City take on Chelsea this coming Sunday in the Premier League. Read our in-depth preview here
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Match Preview for Manchester City v Chelsea
Chelsea face a daunting assignment on Sunday as they travel to the Etihad Stadium to take on Manchester City in the Premier League, with the visitors arriving without a permanent head coach following Enzo Maresca’s departure.
The Blues have not beaten Pep Guardiola’s side since the 2021 Champions League final, and City will be confident of extending that run as they chase ground in the title race.
Chelsea’s turbulent start to the new year continued on New Year’s Day, when Enzo Maresca was dismissed after 18 months in charge.
Despite delivering the Conference League and Club World Cup, the Italian paid the price for a run of two league wins in seven and declining domestic form.
Across all competitions, Chelsea have won just twice in their last nine matches, a downturn that could hardly have come at a worse time given this weekend’s trip to Manchester.
Although Chelsea sit fifth in the table, the margins are fine. They are level on points with Manchester United, only one point clear of Sunderland, and within touching distance of a cluster of sides below them, meaning another defeat could significantly dent their top-four ambitions.
Manchester City, meanwhile, saw their six-match Premier League winning run halted by a goalless draw at Sunderland on Thursday. Despite dominating long spells, Guardiola’s men were unable to break down a resilient Black Cats side, allowing Arsenal to open up a four-point lead at the top of the table.
City could find themselves seven points adrift by kick-off if results go against them earlier in the weekend, increasing the pressure to secure maximum points against a Chelsea side in transition.
Team news for Manchester City v Chelsea
Manchester City welcomed Jeremy Doku back on Thursday and handed Rodri valuable minutes, but the draw on Wearside came at a cost.
Savinho and Nico Gonzalez both picked up injuries and are doubts for Sunday’s contest.
They could join Oscar Bobb, John Stones and Mateo Kovacic on the sidelines, while Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait Nouri remain away at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Erling Haaland failed to score at Sunderland, but he has netted in three of his last four appearances against Chelsea and scored twice in his most recent outing at the Etihad.
Chelsea will be without Moises Caicedo, who serves a one-match suspension after picking up his fifth booking of the season. Levi Colwill, Romeo Lavia, Dario Essugo and Jorrel Hato are also sidelined, while Marc Cucurella will be assessed.
Interim boss Calum McFarlane is expected to deploy Cole Palmer in an advanced midfield role, supported by Enzo Fernandez and Reece James.
Expected line-ups for Manchester City v Chelsea
Manchester City: Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Silva, Rodri, Reijnders; Cherki, Foden; Haaland
Chelsea: Sanchez; Acheampong, Fofana, Chalobah, Gusto; James, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Pedro
How to watch Manchester City v Chelsea: TV channel, online stream
Kick-off on Sunday is at 17:30 GMT (13:30 ET / 09:30 PT), with live coverage in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event.
Via Now TV, Sky Sports costs £14.99 for a day membership, £28 a month for a 12-month membership or £34.99 a month with no contract.
Sky Sports memberships include access to all 12 live Sky Sports channels and Sky Sports+, which offers live streams and a dedicated channel.
Streaming is available on a vast variety of devices via the Sky GO app.
The stats for Manchester City v Chelsea
• Manchester City are unbeaten in their last 11 matches against Chelsea in all competitions
• Chelsea have not won at the Etihad Stadium since May 2021
• Man City have won five of their last six Premier League matches
• Chelsea have won just two of their last nine games in all competitions
• City have scored at least twice in four of their last five home league matches
• Chelsea are winless in their last three Premier League away games
Prediction
Manchester City
Chelsea
Chelsea’s trip to the Etihad was always going to be difficult, and the absence of a permanent manager only adds to the challenge against one of the league’s most ruthless home sides.
Manchester City should have too much quality and control for a vulnerable Chelsea outfit.
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