Manchester City vs Chelsea competition details such as the club visit from West London to Etihad in the Premier League on Sunday.
What fans need to know before kick-off between Manchester City and Chelsea?
Hosts Manchester City Chelsea at Etihad in one Premier League game charged with tension. Both sides arrive under pressure as many eyes will be on what happens next.
Yet Pep Guardiola’s side remain strong in key areas. Their control over the Etihad is difficult to break. Given all that, a City win seems likely. Although Chelsea can remain competitive for a long period of time. Ultimately, quality will certainly make the difference.
Manchester City’s current form in the Premier League
Man City saw their strong momentum in the league diminish in midweek. Sunderland held them to a goalless draw at the Stadium of Light. The result ended City’s six-match winning run in the league. It also broke their eight-game winning streak against the Black Cats.
Guardiola’s side still look sharp overall. But the match against Sunderland showed that City are struggling against intense attacking threats. The return of Jeremy Doku and Rodri provided balance to the team. But the lost points were costly in a tight title race, where perfection is often required.
Chelsea’s current form in the Premier League
In all competitions, Chelsea have registered just two wins in their last nine games. Currently they are fifth in the PL table. They are only three points behind fourth-place Liverpool. So the margins are very small.
Manchester City team updates
Manchester City welcomed Jeremy Doku and Rodri back to the pitch. The Spanish star played important minutes for the first time since October in Sunderland’s draw. However, the evening also brought concerns as Savinho and Nico Gonzalez both picked up injuries.
These problems contribute to an already overcrowded medical room. Oscar Bobb, John Stones and Mateo Kovacic are sidelined. Meanwhile, Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait Nouri are away with Egypt and Algeria at the Africa Cup of Nations. Now Guardiola can miss as many as seven players when Chelsea visit.
Chelsea team updates
Chelsea will call Marc Cucurella before he travels. But several players have already been excluded. Levi Colwill, Romeo Lavia, Dario Essugo and Jorrel Hato are still unavailable. That creates holes in the defense and midfield.
The biggest absence is Moises Caicedo. The midfielder has been suspended for one match after receiving his fifth yellow card of the season against Bournemouth. With Maresca gone, interim coach McFarlane can look for tactical changes. Although Cole Palmer is expected to play high in midfield. He is joined by Enzo Fernandez and Reece James.
Head-to-head record:
Last five meetings (all competitions):
Man City and Chelsea have shared a long and intense rivalry throughout the Premier League era. City have had more success in recent seasons, especially at the Etihad. At home, the Cityzens often controlled games through ball possession and pressure.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have had their moments, but consistent results against Guardiola’s side have been difficult to come by. The recent run has favored City, although matches between the two rarely follow a simple script.
Where can you watch Manchester City vs Chelsea?
The match can be watched via official Premier League broadcast partners. Live coverage and streaming options depend on regional listings.
Nigeria – DStv Now, Canal+ Sport 3 Afrique, SuperSport Premier League Nigeria, SuperSport MaXimo 1& 2
China – MiguQ, Q Sports Live
USA – Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, NBC Sports App, nbcsports.com, UNIVERSO NOW, USA Network, UNIVERSO
Kenya – DStv Now, GOtv, SuperSport Premier League ROA, SuperSport MaXimo1 & 2
Great Britain – Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Go, Sky Sports app
India – JioHotstar, Star Sports Select HD1, Star Sports Select 1
List of injuries and absences at Manchester City:
| Player | Injury / Reason | Expected return date |
| Johannes Stones | Leg | January |
| Matthew Kovacic | Ankle/heel | Unknown |
| Nico González | Knock | January |
| Savinho | Unknown | Unknown |
| Oscar Bobb | Hamstring | Unknown |
| Omar Marmoush | AFCON | Unknown |
| Rayan Ait-Nouri | AFCON | Unknown |
Manchester City suspension list:
Manchester City have not suspended any players for this match.
List of injuries and absences at Chelsea:
| Player | Injury / Reason | Expected return date |
| Marc Cucurella | Hamstring | January |
| Jorrel hato | Unknown | January |
| Romeo Lavia | Thigh | January |
| Dario Essugo | Thigh | Unknown |
| Lewis Colwill | Knee | Unknown |
Chelsea suspension list:
Chelsea will have to make do without Moises Caicedo at the Etihad. He is serving a one-match suspension after receiving his fifth yellow card of the season.
Player to watch: Manchester City
Erling Haaland remains the main threat for the Cityzens. Although he failed to score at Sunderland, he did find the net twice in his last appearance at the Etihad against West Ham. The striker has also scored in three of his last four games against Chelsea. This makes him a constant danger whenever these sides meet.
Player to watch: Chelsea
Cole Palmer is Chelsea’s main creative outlet. He is expected to fill an advanced role in midfield. He bears the responsibility of linking the play and creating chances in advance.
Manchester City predicted line-up:
Donnarumma, Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly, Silva, Rodri, Reijnders, Cherki, Foden, Haaland
Chelsea predicted line-up:
Sánchez, Acheampong, Fofana, Chalobah, Gusto, James, Fernandez, Neto, Palmer, Garnacho, Pedro
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