Man City vs Chelsea: Match Preview, Latest Team News and How to Watch | OneFootball

Manchester City vs Chelsea, uncertainty meets authority at the Etihad

Chelsea arrive at the Etihad Stadium this weekend in unfamiliar territory, unsettled, searching and facing one of the Premier League’s most unforgiving assignments. Manchester City versus Chelsea has rarely lacked narrative weight, but this meeting comes framed by managerial upheaval, form lines moving in opposite directions and the relentless demands of elite competition.

The departure of Enzo Maresca on New Year’s Day, confirmed as a mutual agreement, has left Chelsea without a permanent figure in the dugout for Sunday’s contest. Into that void steps under-21s coach Calum McFarlane, likely to be entrusted with first-team duties, even if the club have yet to finalise their interim coaching structure. It is a formidable baptism, against a Manchester City side whose standards remain brutally high regardless of circumstance.

Photo IMAGO

Context shaping Manchester City vs Chelsea

McFarlane inherits a Chelsea team that has struggled for momentum, winning only once in their last seven Premier League matches. The raw talent within the squad remains evident, but cohesion and authority have been harder to locate. Trips to Manchester City demand clarity of plan and belief, commodities that are difficult to summon amid transition.

Manchester City, meanwhile, come into the fixture having been held to a goalless draw by Sunderland on Thursday. That result, while unexpected, does little to dilute their wider authority. Pep Guardiola’s side could begin the weekend third in the table, seven points off the summit should Arsenal and Aston Villa both win on Saturday, adding further incentive to reassert control.

This is not simply about points, it is about rhythm, identity and tone setting as the season moves into its defining months.

Date, kick off details and venue

Manchester City vs Chelsea is scheduled for a 5.30pm GMT kick off on Sunday, January 4, 2026. The match takes place at the Etihad Stadium, a venue that has become one of the most imposing in English football, particularly on winter evenings under the lights.

The timing ensures a prime stage, and both clubs understand the scrutiny that follows every decision, substitution and tactical adjustment.

Where to watch Manchester City vs Chelsea

In the UK, the game will be televised live on Sky Sports. Coverage begins at 5pm GMT on Sky Sports Premier League and at 5.25pm on Sky Sports Main Event ahead of the 5.30pm kick off.

Sky Sports subscribers can also stream the match live via the Sky Go app. For those following minute by minute, Standard Sport’s live blog will track the action with expert analysis from Dom Smith inside the stadium. Highlights will be available shortly after full time on the Sky Sports app and YouTube channel, while Match of the Day airs on BBC One at 10.30pm GMT.

Team news, selection issues and prediction

Manchester City may welcome back key figures. Rodri could make his first start since October after “changing the game” following his half time introduction against Sunderland. Josko Gvardiol is also pushing for a return, while Jeremy Doku is set to replace Savinho after the Brazilian picked up a knock. Nico Gonzalez will be assessed, though Mateo Kovacic, Oscar Bobb and John Stones remain sidelined. Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait-Nouri are away on Africa Cup of Nations duty.

Chelsea’s problems are more acute. Moises Caicedo is suspended after collecting his fifth yellow card in the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth. Andrey Santos is one option to step in, while Reece James could be redeployed into midfield alongside Enzo Fernandez. Marc Cucurella, Jorrel Hato, Dario Essugo and Romeo Lavia are injury doubts, and Levi Colwill remains a long term absentee following ACL surgery.

Under Maresca, Chelsea showed they could raise their level for the so called ‘bigger games’. His absence introduces uncertainty, and at a venue like the Etihad that hesitation can be fatal. Expect Manchester City to control territory and tempo, pressing their advantage.

Prediction, Manchester City 2-0 Chelsea.