Yahoo Sports Manchester City vs Chelsea – Match Preview and team news
Manchester City host Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea this evening in a game that could prove pivotal in the race for Champions League football.
City will be looking to bounce back after they squandered a two goal advantage away to PSG in the Champions League to eventually lose 4-2 in the French capital.
Pep Guardiola has confirmed that all three of their January signings will be available this weekend. The club bolstered their ranks with the capture of defenders Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis whilst also securing the services of Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush from Frankfurt.
However, Ruben Dias has suffered an adductor issue with the extent of the injury and timeline for recovery currently unknown. Kyle Walker’s move to AC Milan was announced on Friday with the Englishman’s deal being an initial loan with an option to buy.
Chelsea had the week off after already securing their place in the knockout stages of the Europa Conference League.
Levi Colwill and Enzo Fernandez will be assessed after they missed Monday’s match while Romeo Lavia is ruled out. Cole Palmer should be fit enough to play against his former club despite struggling in their last outing against Wolves.
Manchester City vs Chelsea – Match Preview and team news
Form
Manchester City: WWDWL
Manchester City imploded in the Champions League once again on Wednesday night, this time to Paris Saint-Germain.
Pep Guardiola’s side raced into a two-goal lead just after half-time with Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland netting past Gianluigi Donnarumma.
But the momentum completely shifted at the Parc des Princes after Ousmane Dembele halved the deficit just a few minutes later. Bradley Barcola levelled matters on the hour mark before Joao Neves completed a stunning turnaround. Goncalo Ramos struck in added time to put the game on ice.
A third defeat in Europe leaves City in a precarious position heading into their final game against Club Brugge on Wednesday. The Manchester club must win to avoid a premature exit.
Domestically, Manchester City look back to their best after a 6-0 hammering of Ipswich Town last weekend. They are unbeaten in their last five league games and have averaged three goals per game in that period.
Chelsea: LDWDW
The Blues returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a 3-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers. Prior to their triumph on Monday night, Chelsea had failed to win in their last five league outings.
Tosin Adarabioyo’s opener was cancelled out by Matt Doherty before Marc Cucurella fired in from close quarters. After recording a hat trick against the Old Gold in August, Noni Madueke was Wolves’ nemesis once again as he scored the winner.
Chelsea occupy fourth position in the league but a loss to City this evening will see the champions surpass them.
Last Meeting
Chelsea 0-2 Manchester City, Premier League, 18th August 2024
The champions commenced their fourth consecutive title defence by overcoming Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Having previously been a member of Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff at City, Enzo Maresca was managing Chelsea in a competitive game for the first time.
The visitors went in front early on as the reigning Golden Boot winner Erling Haaland opened his account for the season. Bernardo Silva flicked Jeremy Doku’s pass into the Norwegian’s path before the Norwegian bullied his way past the defence. Robert Sanchez attempted to close down the angle, but City’s number nine had the composure to lift a finish over the Spaniard.
The Chelsea midfield was getting overwhelmed by City’s guile and proficiency which resulted in Kevin de Bruyne almost scoring against his former club. The Belgian curled a shot just wide of the post with Sanchez’s desperate dive showing clear concern.
Enzo Fernandez then protested for a penalty after Savinho had bundled into him, but referee Anthony Taylor showed no interest in the claim.
The Chelsea goalkeeper needed to stay alert to push Doku’s deflected shot from range over the crossbar just before half-time. After the break, Haaland was thwarted by Sanchez before Nicolas Jackson’s shot from point blank range was palmed away by Ederson.
An inspired moment from former Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic would give City an unassailable lead with five minutes remaining. The Croatian drove through the midfield before taking aim from 25-yards and finding the back of the net with the help of the post. Kovacic threw up his hands in apology as he struck in the stadium he called home for five years.
Read – Chelsea predicted lineup ahead of Manchester City clash
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off at the Etihad Stadium will be at 17:30 GMT on Saturday, 25 January, 2025.
Who is the referee?
John Brooks will be the match official. Simon Bennett and Dan Robathan will assist him while Lewis Smith will be the fourth official. The VAR will be Stuart Attwell and he will be assisted by Neil Davies.
Predicted Line-ups
Manchester City XI: Ederson, Lewis, Akanji, Stones, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Gundogan; Foden, de Bruyne, Grealish, Haaland.
Chelsea XI: Sanchez, James, Adarabioyo, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho, Jackson.
What TV channel will Manchester City vs Chelsea be on?
Manchester City vs Chelsea will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Ultra, Sky Go UK and NOW UK.
Manchester City vs Chelsea Match Odds
Manchester City: 11/10
Draw: 3/1
Chelsea: 21/10
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