The Premier League heats up this weekend with a blockbuster clash between Manchester City and Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium. Set for a 5:30 PM GMT kick-off on Sunday, January 4, 2026, this match promises high-stakes action as both teams chase their ambitions in the title race and top-four battle. Fans can catch the game live on major broadcasters, with streaming options available for those tuning in from afar.
Recent Form and Team News
Manchester City enters the fixture in solid shape, sitting second in the Premier League with 41 points from 19 games. Their record stands at 13 wins, 2 draws, and 4 losses, showcasing a dominant season so far. However, a frustrating 0-0 draw against Sunderland on New Year’s Day highlighted some vulnerabilities, especially with key players returning from injury. Pep Guardiola’s side has welcomed back Rodri, who made a game-changing impact in his recent cameo, bringing composure to the midfield. On the injury front, City deals with several absences: Savinho (unspecified), Oscar Bobb (hamstring), John Stones (thigh), Mateo Kovacic (heel), Omar Marmoush (AFCON), and Rayan Ait Nouri (AFCON) are all out. Nico Gonzalez remains doubtful.
Chelsea, meanwhile, finds itself in a turbulent spot. Positioned fifth with 30 points from 8 wins, 6 draws, and 5 losses, the Blues have shown flashes of brilliance but lack consistency. The recent sacking of Enzo Maresca on New Year’s Day adds chaos, with under-21s head coach Calum McFarlane stepping in as interim for this crucial away test. Injuries plague the squad too: Moises Caicedo is suspended, while Levi Colwill (knee), Romeo Lavia (thigh), Dario Essugo (thigh), and Jorrel Hato (unspecified) are sidelined. Marc Cucurella is doubtful with a thigh issue. This managerial shake-up could disrupt team cohesion, but Chelsea’s talent pool remains deep.
Head-to-head history favors Chelsea slightly overall, with 71 wins to City’s 65 in 180 meetings, but City has dominated recent encounters, winning eight of the last ten with seven clean sheets. Expect City to leverage home advantage, where they’ve been nearly unbeatable.
Potential Lineups
Both teams will likely opt for attacking setups, but injuries force adjustments.
Manchester City Predicted Lineup (4-3-3): Donnarumma (GK); Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Silva, Rodri, Reijnders; Cherki, Foden, Haaland. Substitutes could include Trafford, Lewis, Khusanov, Ake, Nico, Gray, Mukasa, Doku, and R. Heskey. Rodri’s return bolsters the midfield, while Haaland leads the line, hungry for goals.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Sanchez (GK); Acheampong, Fofana, Chalobah, Gusto; James, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Pedro. If Cucurella recovers, he might slot in at left-back, shifting Gusto. Cole Palmer remains a key creative force, with Pedro up top aiming to exploit any defensive lapses.
Score Prediction
This matchup screams goals, given City’s potent attack and Chelsea’s transitional vulnerabilities under interim management. Manchester City should edge it with home support and superior form. Look for a 3-1 victory for the hosts—Haaland grabs a brace, Palmer pulls one back for Chelsea, but City’s defense holds firm late on.
