Here at Sportscasting, we have the Man City vs Chelsea preview, prediction, latest team news and predicted lineups ahead of Saturday night’s clash.
Man City Vs Chelsea Preview
Just when it looked like Man City were getting back in their stride, a damaging 4-2 defeat to PSG in the UEFA Champions League brought the faltering champions crashing back down to earth.
Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland gave City a 2-0 lead before the Parisians hit back with four strikes of their own to seal a much-needed win.
As it stands, Pep Guardiola’s side are one place and two points away from the play-off spots. However, their European uncertainties will go on the back burner this weekend.
The Cityzens will be aiming to build on their recent Premier League revival. Last Sunday, Guardiola’s side hit Ipswich for six at Portman Road.
Saturday’s opponents will provide a much sterner test as the battle for a top-four spot begins to intensify. In the reverse fixture, City ran out comfortable 2-0 winners in west London.
We've had some memorable moments at home against Chelsea over the years! 🙌
Here's some of them ahead of this weekend's clash ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/wu4bmVO7xp
— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 24, 2025
Chelsea finally got back to winning ways when they brushed aside a toothless Wolves side 3-1 at Stamford Bridge on Monday night.
The recently recalled Trevoh Chalobah went straight back in to the starting XI and received a warm welcome from the home faithful.
However, goals from Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Cucurella and Noni Madueke saw the Blues end their five-game winless run in the league in style.
Avoiding defeat at the Etihad will ensure that Enzo Maresca’s side will remain above Man City in the table and occupy the last Champions League spot.
Ahead of the match, the best football betting sites in the UK make City the 11/10 match favourites. Chelsea can be backed at 12/5 with the draw 3/1.
Man City Vs Chelsea Team News
The recently signed trio of Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis are all in contention to make their Man City debuts.
Jack Grealish has staked a claim to start after his two goal involvements against PSG in the week. However, Savinho is likely to get the nod.
On the injury front, Ruben Dias is a doubt after coming off in Paris at half-time. Both Nathan Ake and Jeremy Doku are also rated 50/50.
Meanwhile, Chelsea will be without Romeo Lavia, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and the suspended Mykhaylo Mudryk. There are also doubts surrounding Levi Colwill and Enzo Fernandez.
If the latter is ruled out, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is in line to start once again. Malo Gusto may also start instead of captain Reece James. The Englishman is still building up his fitness after his recent injury problems.
Jadon Sancho will jostle with Noni Madueke and/or Pedro Neto for a place in Enzo Maresca’s starting XI. Former City man Cole Palmer should start off of Nicolas Jackson.
A trip to Etihad Stadium this weekend. 💪 pic.twitter.com/sQ5PZ7eFWZ
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 23, 2025
Man City Vs Chelsea Predicted Lineups
Man City (4-2-3-1): Ortega; Lewis, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Bernardo; Foden, De Bruyne, Savinho; Haaland
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Dewsbury-Hall, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson
Man City Vs Chelsea Prediction
The Man City vs Chelsea stats indicate a tight-knit affair will ensue and that’s exactly what we are predicting at the Etihad on Saturday night.
Both sides have had their ups and downs this season and we are going to sit on the fence and predict a low-scoring draw.
Prediction: Man City 1-1 Chelsea
