The match of the 20th round of the Premier League between Manchester City and Chelsea will take place on 4 january at Etihad Stadium. Manchester City vs Chelsea: prediction, betting odds and statistics.
Manchester City
Manchester City began the new calendar year with an away draw (0:0); however, the compromise result against Sunderland on their pitch in the current championship can safely be counted as a positive, since the league newcomer has not yet lost at home. Thus, the team's 6-match winning run in the Premier League was ended. Also, for the first time in the last 10 matches the team failed to score. The club remains in second position, but the gap to Arsenal is now 4 points. It is also worth recalling that the club confidently leads in goals scored — 43.
- At least three goals were scored in 9 of the last 10 Premier League matches involving the home team.
- Manchester City kept a clean sheet in 4 of their last 5 league games.
- The club has an 8-match winning streak in the Premier League at their stadium.
Potential Manchester City Lineup (4-3-2-1)*
Gianluigi Donnarumma – Mateus Nunes, Nathan Ake, Ruben Dias, Nico O'Riley – Nico Gonzalez, Bernardo Silva, Savinho – Rayan Cherki, Phil Foden – Erling Haaland.
Defender John Stones, as well as midfielders Oscar Bobb and Mateo Kovacic, are unavailable due to injuries. Defender Ryan Ait-Nouri and forward Omar Marmoush have joined their national team. Midfielder Savinho may miss the match due to injury.
Chelsea
Chelsea played their last two league matches at home but took only one point. First the team lost to Aston Villa (1:2), then drew with Bournemouth (2:2). In addition, the club has won only once in its last 7 Premier League games (4 draws and 2 losses). Because of these results the Chelsea management decided to dismiss the head coach. The team dropped out of the top four, but is only 3 points behind the nearest competitor for a Champions League spot.
- Both teams scored in 5 of the last 7 Premier League matches involving the visitors.
- In their last 6 away Premier League matches Chelsea suffered only 1 defeat (3 wins and 2 draws).
- The team has not lost in the second half in 10 previous away Premier League matches (7 wins and 3 draws).
Potential Chelsea Lineup (4-5-1)*
Robert Sanchez – Malo Gusto, Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, Josh Achimpong – Moisés Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Cole Palmer, Estevao, Alejandro Garnacho – Liam Delap.
Head coach Enzo Maresca has been dismissed. His assistant Willy Caballero will prepare the team for the match. Defender Levi Colwill and midfielders Dariu Essugu and Romeo Lavia will miss the game due to injuries. Midfielder Moisés Caicedo is suspended due to accumulation of yellow cards. Defender Marc Cucurella is doubtful (injury).
Referee
Michael Oliver (England)
Matches – 15 (the Premier League, 2025/26);
Yellow Cards Shown (including second yellow cards) – 36;
Average Yellow Cards Per Match – 2.4;
Red Cards Shown – 1;
Fouls Per Match – 22;
Penalties – 7%.
Manchester City vs Chelsea: Match Prediction
Manchester City return to their stadium after two consecutive away matches and will look to make amends for the dropped points in the previous round. The gap to the leader has increased, so the club will not allow a second consecutive slip-up. At home Manchester City not only won their last 8 Premier League matches, but scored at least three goals in seven of them and two in another.
We believe that high scoring should be expected from the home side in this confrontation. Crisis-hit Chelsea arrive having failed to win in three consecutive away league matches, conceding two goals to Newcastle United and as many as three to Leeds United. In addition, the team currently has no head coach, which leaves it somewhat at a crossroads. Furthermore, Manchester City have not lost to Chelsea in the last 8 Premier League meetings (6 wins and 2 draws).
Prediction: Manchester City Individual Total Over 2
* For each team the starting lineup is indicated from its previous match in this tournament.
