A turbulent start to 2026 saw Enzo Maresca sacked and the project thrown into serious doubts, sending Chelsea to Manchester City.
With the Blues in search of a new manager and with Callum McFarlane taking over as interim manager, Pep Guardiola’s City aim to stay in touch with Premier League leaders Arsenal, who extended their lead to four points earlier this week.
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Manchester City’s draw with Sunderland gave Arteta’s side a buffer, but with the Blues struggling, having failed to win their last three league games, including a 2-2 draw at home to Bournemouth last time out, they could lose further ground in their fight for a top-four finish.
In the last meeting in January last year, Manchester City won 3-1. Since winning the Champions League final in Porto in 2021, the Blues’ consecutive winless game against their opponents has reached 11 games.
Here’s everything you need to know about the clash at the Etihad Stadium:
When does Manchester City vs Chelsea take place?
The Premier League match between Manchester City and Chelsea kicks off at 5:30pm GMT on Sunday, January 4 at the Etihad Stadium.
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How can I watch it?
UK viewers can watch Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League matches on TV and find them live online via Sky Go and Sky Go Extra. Coverage starts at 5pm GMT.
If you’re not a Sky customer, you can get a NOWTV all-day pass here to watch without a subscription.
Team news
City lost Savinho and Nico Gonzalez as Jeremy Docu and Rodri returned from injury against Sunderland.
The pair are likely to join Oscar Bobb (hamstring), John Stones (thigh) and Mateo Kovacic (heel) on the sidelines, with Omar Mamouche and Rayan Ait Nouri missing due to their Africa Cup of Nations commitments.
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Marc Cucurella has returned to training but faces a late fitness test. Moises Caicedo has been suspended with a one-game suspension. That means Andre Santos, Reece James or Marlo Gusteau will partner Enzo Fernandez. Dario Esugo, Romeo Lavia, Levi Colwell and Jorel Hutto are still out injured.
Expected lineup
Manchester City predicted XI: Donnarumma; Nunez, Dias, Gvaldiol, O’Reilly; Silva, Rodri, Reynders; Cherki, Foden; Haaland
Chelsea predicted eleven: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Fernandez, James; Neto, Palmer, Grenache; Joao Pedro
