Will Pep Guardiola’s side break into the Premier League’s top four? We preview and predict the outcome of Saturday’s late kick-off between Manchester City and Chelsea.
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Manchester City vs Chelsea: Preview
Manchester City’s dramatic 4-2 loss to Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday has left them on the verge of an early exit from the UEFA Champions League, marking a potential low point in their worst campaign under Pep Guardiola.
However, their fortunes in the Premier League have recently improved. City has earned 10 points from their last four matches, boosting their chances of a top-four finish. They could move into the Champions League spots on Saturday when they host Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium.
After a tough stretch with only one win in nine league matches starting in November (D2 L6), City has bounced back, winning three of their last four (D1). They’ve scored 14 goals in that period, surpassing the 13 goals they managed in their previous 11 league games.
Yet, their only draw in this stretch – a 2-2 result at Brentford last week – exposed their defensive vulnerabilities, which were once again evident against PSG. Despite Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland putting City 2-0 up in Paris, the hosts made a stunning comeback to win. This marked the first time City lost a match after leading by two goals in any competition since May 2021, when they were beaten 3-2 by Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League.
Additionally, City faced a staggering 26 shots in the PSG match, the most they’ve conceded in a game since September 2012, when Real Madrid fired 35 shots in a Champions League group-stage clash.
Guardiola has bolstered his defense with the January signings of Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis, both of whom could feature in the matchday squad on Saturday, with defender Rúben Dias being a doubt. Also available is Omar Marmoush, who joined from Eintracht Frankfurt for an estimated £63 million on Thursday.
Before leaving Eintracht, Marmoush scored 15 goals and provided nine assists in 17 Bundesliga games in 2024-25, and totaled 20 goals and 13 assists in 26 appearances across all competitions.
Alongside fellow Egyptian Mohamed Salah, Marmoush is one of only two players from Europe’s top five leagues to reach double figures for both goals and assists in all competitions this season.
This will be the latest City have faced Chelsea in the Premier League while sitting below them in the table since the 2016-17 season. On that occasion, Antonio Conte’s Chelsea secured a 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge on Matchday 30, en route to winning the title.
Enzo Maresca’s aspirations of leading a title charge now seem all but over, as Chelsea endured a five-match winless streak in the league around the New Year. However, they ended their slump with a 3-1 win over Wolves on Monday, with goals from Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Cucurella, and Noni Madueke.
Madueke is now aiming to solidify his place as a regular starter in the wide positions, and his growing partnership with former City player Cole Palmer has been a standout positive this season. Together, Palmer and Madueke have created 25 chances for one another in the Premier League, the most by any two players. Additionally, Palmer’s 17 chances created for Madueke are the highest number any player has provided for a specific teammate this term.
Chelsea’s recent away form has been disappointing, as they have failed to win any of their last three Premier League away games (D2 L1) after securing six victories from their first eight (D1 L1). In their last three away matches, they have scored only once, a stark contrast to their previous eight away games, where they averaged 2.9 goals per match (23 goals in total).
Manchester City vs Chelsea: Head-to-Head
City are unbeaten in their last seven Premier League meetings with Chelsea, securing five wins and two draws since their 2-1 home defeat in May 2021, a result that postponed their Premier League title celebrations.
Chelsea have kept only one clean sheet in their last 16 Premier League away games against City, a 1-0 win in February 2014.
During that stretch, they have failed to score seven times, including in their most recent encounter at Stamford Bridge on the opening day of the 2024-25 season, where they were shut out in a 2-0 loss.
Manchester City vs Chelsea: Team News and Predicted Lineup
Manchester City – Team News
Manchester City face a new injury concern ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Chelsea, though Omar Marmoush could be in line for his debut.
Manager Pep Guardiola confirmed that defender Ruben Dias requested to be substituted during Wednesday’s dramatic 4-2 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. Dias had just returned from a muscle injury and will miss the Chelsea match at the Etihad, along with Jeremy Doku.
Marmoush completed his move to City on Thursday and could feature in the squad for the evening’s game. New signings Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis are also available, but it remains uncertain whether Guardiola will include the two defenders given the significance of the match and the strength of the opposition.
“They can play, but I don’t know yet. We don’t have players,” Guardiola said of his new arrivals on Friday.
John Stones has regained fitness, but Nathan Ake, Oscar Bobb, and Rodri are not expected to return yet.
Manchester City – Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Ortega
- Defenders: Nunes, Akanji, Stones, Gvardiol
- Midfielders: Kovacic, Silva, De Bruyne
- Forwards: Savinho, Haaland, Foden
Chelsea – Team News
Romeo Lavia will be sidelined for several weeks and will miss Chelsea’s away game against Manchester City on Saturday.
The Belgian international, who struggled with injuries during his first season at Chelsea, is dealing with a muscle problem he sustained against Bournemouth, causing him to miss Monday’s 3-1 victory over Wolves.
On Friday, manager Enzo Maresca confirmed that Lavia has not recovered in time and will be out for weeks. However, Levi Colwill (knock) and Enzo Fernandez (muscle fatigue) are expected to return after also missing the Wolves match.
“Levi [Colwill] and Enzo [Fernandez] could probably be available, depending on today’s session,” Maresca said. “Romeo [Lavia] will be out.”
When asked for a timeline on Lavia’s return, Maresca replied: “We don’t know yet. We need to wait a little bit more. At least a few weeks more.”
Trevoh Chalobah could make another start after his man-of-the-match performance against Wolves, which marked his first appearance for Chelsea since returning from his loan at Crystal Palace.
Chelsea – Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Sanchez
- Defenders: James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella
- Midfielders: Fernandez, Caicedo, Palmer
- Forwards: Madueke,Sancho, Jackson
Manchester City vs Chelsea: Prediction
An exciting match with plenty of goalmouth action is likely at the Etihad, as two attack-focused teams that have had difficulties defending their goal this season go head-to-head.
Manchester City may benefit from their trio of January signings and have a solid recent record against Chelsea. However, Maresca’s side could find a way to frustrate the hosts and earn a point.
Prediction: Manchester City 2-2 Chelsea
When and Where to Watch the Manchester City vs Chelsea Match? Broadcast and Streaming Details
The highly anticipated Premier League clash between Manchester City and Chelsea is set for Saturday, January 25, at the Etihad Stadium, kicking off at 11 pm. (IST). The match will be broadcast on the Star Sports Network for TV viewers, while online streaming will be available on Disney+ Hotstar, allowing fans to follow the high-stakes game on their preferred device. With a thrilling encounter anticipated at the Etihad stadium, supporters won’t want to miss a moment of this Premier League showdown.
Read More: Omar Marmoush to Manchester City: Tactical Analysis And Why The Sky Signed Him?
FAQs
What is the latest injury update for Manchester City ahead of their match against Chelsea?
Ruben Dias will miss the game due to a muscle injury, while new signings Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Vitor Reis could feature in the squad.
Can Omar Marmoush make his debut for Manchester City against Chelsea?
Yes, Marmoush completed his transfer to Manchester City and could be included in the matchday squad for Saturday’s Premier League clash.
How has Chelsea’s recent away form been ahead of their match at Manchester City?
Chelsea has struggled on the road, failing to win their last three Premier League away games, scoring just once in that period.
What are Chelsea’s injury concerns for their game against Manchester City?
Romeo Lavia is out for several weeks due to a muscle injury, while Levi Colwill and Enzo Fernandez could return after missing Chelsea’s win over Wolves.
What is the head-to-head record between Manchester City and Chelsea?
Manchester City is unbeaten in their last seven Premier League encounters with Chelsea, winning five and drawing two since their 2-1 home loss in May 2021.
