Man City vs Chelsea Predictions: Possible Lineups, Odds & Stats

*Odds are subject to change.

We enter game round 20 of the Premier League (PL) season, as Man City welcome Chelsea to the Etihad Stadium. Both teams want to win before next week’s FA Cup third round action.

Fans can enjoy this 5:30 pm kick-off on Sunday, 4th January 2026.

Match Prediction

Given their recent head-to-head dominance in this matchup, I predict Man City to win. City can make a flying start to 2026, repeating their January 2025 win in this fixture.

Based on the recent H2H history, I pick both teams to score “no” at 2.50 (Betfred). Both teams to score “yes” is just 1.53. Likewise, this heavyweight clash could follow recent trends with under 2.5 goals at 2.50 (Betfred).

Man City Latest News & Analysis

Man City currently sit firmly in the Premier League top three. Pep Guardiola’s team enjoyed excellent late 2025 form. Since losing 2-0 at home to Leverkusen on 25th November 2025, City ended 2025 with eight wins in a row.

Recent results include a round 18 2-1 win at Nottingham Forest. That came after beating West Ham 3-0 at home and winning 2-0 against Brentford in the EFL Cup. City also recorded 3-0 wins over Crystal Palace and Sunderland and a 2-1 win at Real Madrid.

Such excellent recent form has City looking like title challengers, a clear threat to Arsenal and Aston Villa.

In terms of injuries, Pep Guardiola could be without John Stones (thigh), Mateo Kovacic (heel), Jeremey Doku (leg), and Oscar Bobb (hamstring). Rayan Ait Nouri and Omar Marmoush are both away on African Cup of Nations duty.

Player in Focus

Rayan Cherki scored the winner at Nottingham Forest. The Frenchman took time to settle in Manchester after arriving from Lyon. But he now looks like an exciting goal threat behind Erling Haaland. Cherki anytime goalscorer is 3.20 with Betfred.

Chelsea Latest News & Analysis

Chelsea have experienced an up and down campaign so far.

In last week’s disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Aston Villa, the Blues surrendered an early lead. This came on the back of a 2-2 draw at Newcastle, when they gave up a two-goal head start.

Other mixed recent results included a 3-1 win at Cardiff in the EFL Cup and a 2-0 home win over Everton. Yet, Chelsea also lost to Atalanta (2-1) and Leeds (3-1) and only managed to draw with Bournemouth and Arsenal.

Those results dampened the mood at Stamford Bridge after three successive wins at the end of November 2025. Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca must now raise his squad for this match against an in-form Manchester City.

The Chelsea injury list still includes Levi Colwill (knee), Jorrel Hato (muscular injury), plus Dario Essugo, Marc Cucurella, and Romeo Lavia are struggling with thigh injuries.

Midfielder Moises Caicedo received an early yellow card against Bournemouth, so he will miss the trip to Manchester. Ukrainian forward Mykhailo Mudryk continues his long-term suspension.

Player in Focus

Joao Pedro has attracted many plaudits this season and has even been mentioned as a possible target for Barcelona. Chelsea’s number 20 scored against Aston Villa and Newcastle. You may want to consider Joao Pedro for 1+ shot on target (2.0 at Bet365).

Man City vs Chelsea Predicted Lineups

Man City (4-3-2-1): Gianluigi Donnarumma – Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Nico O’Reilly – Bernardo Silva, Nico Gonzalez, Tijjani Reijnders – Rayan Cherki, Phil Foden – Erling Haaland

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Robert Sanchez – Josh Acheampong, Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, Malo Gusto – Enzo Fernandez, Reece James – Alejandro Garnacho, Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto – Joao Pedro

Man City vs Chelsea Previous Meetings

Man City have claimed eight wins in the last ten H2Hs, drawing just twice.

Chelsea’s poor record has continued in recent times. City won the last three H2Hs, including twice at the Etihad Stadium.

Seven of the last ten H2Hs ended with both teams not scoring. Three of the latest five meetings also featured under 2.5 goals.

Where to Watch Man City vs Chelsea Live on TV?

Sky TV subscribers can view this match live on either Sky Sports Premier League or Sky Sports Main Event.

Mobile viewers can check out the Sky Go app for a live stream.

Man City to give Chelsea the blues

Man City will continue their solid winter form with a win over Chelsea. The Cityzens are Chelsea’s bogey team – and the Blues could struggle in a clash of few goals.