Chelsea face Manchester City at the Etihad in their first game since the exit of Enzo Maresca.
Maresca left as Chelsea via mutual agreement on New Year’s Day and Under-21s boss Calum McFarlane will be in charge.
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Chelsea have won just once in their last seven Premier League matches. Manchester City were held to a goalless draw by Sunderland on Thursday and kick-off seven points behind leaders Arsenal after their title rivals beat Bournemouth 3-2 on Saturday.
Here’s everything you need to know about the game…
Date, kick-off time and venue
Man City vs Chelsea is scheduled for a 5.30pm GMT kick-off on Sunday, January 4, 2026.
The match will take place at the Etihad Stadium.
Where to watch Man City vs Chelsea
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on Sky Sports. Coverage starts at 5pm GMT on Sky Sports Premier League and 5.25pm on Sky Sports Main Event ahead of kick-off at 5.30pm.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert analysis from Dom Smith at the ground.
Free highlights: The Sky Sports app and YouTube channel will show highlights shortly after the final whistle with Match of the Day broadcasting on BBC One at 10.30pm GMT.
Man City vs Chelsea team news
Rodri could make his first start since October after “changing the game” for Man City against Sunderland following his half time introduction at the Stadium of Light.
Josko Gvardiol is also pushing for a return after being named on the bench on New Year’s Day, while Jeremy Doku is poised to replace Savinho after the Brazilian picked up a knock.
Nico Gonzalez will be assessed but Mateo Kovacic, Oscar Bobb and John Stones are all out injured. Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait-Nouri are away on Africa Cup of Nations duty.
Chelsea have been dealt a massive blow with Moises Caicedo ruled out through suspension. The midfielder picked up his fifth yellow card of the season in the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth and must now serve a one-game ban.
Andrey Santos is an option to replace Caicedo, alternatively Reece James could start in midfield alongside Enzo Fernandez.
Marc Cucurella, Jorrel Hato, Dario Essugo and Romeo Lavia are all injury doubts, but Levi Colwill is a long-term absentee after undergoing surgery for an ACL injury back in August.
Man City vs Chelsea prediction
It was always going to be a tough ask for Chelsea to get anything away at Man City given the form of both sides at present. Though, under Maresca the Blues had proven they can get up for the so-called ‘bigger games’.
The Italian’s sudden departure does create a degree of uncertainty over which Chelsea will turn up at the Etihad and we expect Pep Guardiola’s side to take full advantage.
Man City to win, 3-1.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
Chelsea have not beaten Man City in any competition since the 2021 Champions League final, losing both Premier League meetings last season by an aggregate score of 5-1.
Man City wins: 68
Chelsea wins: 71
Draws: 41
Man City vs Chelsea match odds
Man City to win: 8/13
Chelsea to win: 4/1
Draw: 17/5
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
