Man City vs Chelsea: Preview, Predictions & Lineups

Fixture: Manchester City vs Chelsea

Competition: Premier League, Matchweek 23

Date: Sunday, 25th January 2025

Kick-off: 17:30 GMT

Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester

Manchester City aim to maintain their title push as they host an inconsistent Chelsea side looking to boost their own title bid. Both teams have plenty to play for, with City looking to close the gap at the top and Chelsea hoping to rekindle their title ambitions.

Form: DWWDW

• 19 Jan: 6-0 win vs Ipswich Town (A)
• 14 Jan: 2-2 draw vs Brentford (A)
• 4 Jan: 4-1 win over West Ham (H)
• 29 Dec: 2-0 win vs Leicester City (A)
• 26 Dec: 1-1 draw vs Everton (H)

City have been dominant at home, scoring freely and conceding sparingly at the Etihad.

Form: LLDDW 

• 20 Jan: 3-1 win vs Wolves (H)
• 14 Jan: 2-2 draw vs Bournemouth (H)
• 4 Jan: 1-1 draw vs Crystal Palace (A)
• 30 Dec: 0-2 loss vs Ipswich Town (A)
• 26 Dec: 1-2 loss vs Fulham (H)

Chelsea’s form has been poor, with just one win in their last five league matches. However, they will look to build on a 3-1 home win over Wolves last time out in the Premier League

• Rodri: Out with a knee injury.
• John Stones: Doubtful due to a foot problem.
• Nathan Ake: Knock, doubtful.
• Oscar Bobb: Lack of match fitness.
  

• Benoit Badiashile: Fitness issues, doubtful.
• Wesley Fofana: Hamstring injury, unavailable.
• Romeo Lavia: Knock, doubtful.
• Enzo Fernández: Knock, fitness test required.
• Levi Colwill: Knock, doubtful.
• Mykhailo Mudryk: Suspended by FA indefinitely
  

• Goalkeeper: Ederson
• Defenders: Josko Guardiol, Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, Matheus Nunes
• Midfielders: Bernardo Silva, Mateo Kovacic, Kevin De Bruyne
• Forwards: Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku
  

• Goalkeeper: Robert Sánchez
• Defenders: Reece James, Levi Colwill, Trevoh Chalobah, Marc Cucurella
• Midfielders: Enzo Fernández (If fit, if unavailable, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall), Moisés Caicedo
• Attacking Midfielders: Jadon Sancho, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke
• Forwards: Nicolas Jackson
  

Strengths:

• Relentless attacking fluidity with Haaland as the focal point.
• Overloads on the flanks through Foden and Doku.

Weaknesses:

• Defensive lapses during transitions, particularly without Rodri’s midfield shield.
  

Strengths:

• Creative spark from Palmer and Sancho.
• Defensive depth with three centre-backs.

Weaknesses:

• Lack of finishing efficiency, evident in recent matches.
• Susceptibility to quick counters and high pressing.
  

• Erling Haaland: The Norwegian international remains City’s biggest threat.
• Phil Foden: Integral to City’s wing play and creativity
  

• Cole Palmer: Chelsea’s star player and biggest attacking threat.
• Enzo Fernández: His midfield control will be key to breaking City’s press.
  

With Chelsea struggling for form and Manchester City’s imperious record at home, the hosts are firm favourites. The visitors may struggle to cope with City’s attacking onslaught, especially if Haaland finds early openings.

Predicted Scoreline: Manchester City 3-1 Chelsea

1. Result: Manchester City to win – Their home form and squad depth make them strong favourites.
2. Goals Over/Under: Over 2.5 goals – City’s attack is firing on all cylinders.
3. Anytime Scorer: Erling Haaland – The Norwegian striker thrives in such fixtures.
   

Erling Haaland has scored in each of his last five matches at the Etihad, including a hat-trick in two of those games. Chelsea will need to break that streak to stand a chance.

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All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.