Manchester City vs Chelsea: Premier League Clash at the Etihad – Live Score, Team News & Predictions
The Etihad Stadium is set for a heavyweight Premier League showdown on January 4, 2026, as Manchester City host a managerless Chelsea. This fixture arrives at a critical juncture for both clubs, with City looking to solidify their title charge and Chelsea entering a new, uncertain era following the departure of head coach Enzo Maresca.
All eyes will be on how Chelsea responds without their tactician, facing the daunting task of taking on Pep Guardiola’s side on their own turf. The Blues haven’t defeated City in any competition since their famous 2021 Champions League final triumph, a streak they are desperate to end today.
Confirmed Team News & Predicted Lineups
Video Correlato: LIVE 🔴| Manchester City vs Chelsea – Premier League 2025/26 | PES 21 Simulation
Injuries and managerial changes have shaped the squads for this pivotal match. Manchester City are dealing with several key absences, while Chelsea’s interim setup adds an element of unpredictability to their selection.
Manchester City Team News
Pep Guardiola is without midfielder Mateo Kovacic and defender John Stones, both sidelined through injury. Young attackers Oscar Bobb and Savinho are also unavailable. According to the latest team news, Josko Gvardiol and Tijjani Reijnders are expected to start, coming in for Nathan Ake and the injured Savinho.
Chelsea Team News
Chelsea travel to Manchester for their first match since parting ways with Enzo Maresca. The club is in a state of transition, with an interim coach expected to take charge for this fixture. This disruption could either galvanize the squad or leave them vulnerable against the league’s elite.
| Team | Confirmed/Predicted Lineup (4-3-3) | Key Absences (Injury) |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester City | Donnarumma; Walker, Dias, Gvardiol, Reijnders; Rodri, De Bruyne, Foden; Silva, Haaland, Doku | Mateo Kovacic, John Stones, Oscar Bobb, Savinho |
| Chelsea | (Predicted) Sanchez; James, Silva, Colwill, Chilwell; Caicedo, Fernandez; Palmer, Nkunku, Sterling; Jackson | N/A (Managerial Change) |
Match Details & How to Watch in Canada
For Canadian fans, here are the essential details to catch every minute of the action from the Etihad Stadium.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date & Kick-off Time | Sunday, January 4, 2026 at 12:30 PM ET / 9:30 AM PT |
| Venue | Etihad Stadium, Manchester |
| Competition | Premier League |
| TV Broadcast (Canada) | FuboTV, DAZN |
| Live Stream | Available via FuboTV and DAZN platforms |
Head-to-Head (H2H) Record & Recent Form
The historical record heavily favors Manchester City in recent years. Chelsea’s last victory over City in any competition was their 1-0 win in the 2021 UEFA Champions League final. Since then, City have dominated their league encounters.
Last season, Manchester City won both Premier League meetings by an aggregate score of 5-1. This dominant form, combined with Chelsea’s current instability, shapes the pre-match narrative. City are looking to bounce back after being held to a surprising 0-0 draw by Sunderland in their previous outing.
Expert Predictions & Match Odds
Given the circumstances, bookmakers and pundits overwhelmingly see Manchester City as the favorites. The absence of a permanent manager for Chelsea is a significant factor, as is City’s formidable home record.
| Market | Prediction/Odds Favorite |
|---|---|
| Match Winner | Manchester City |
| Both Teams to Score (BTTS) | Yes |
| Aggregate Score Trend | City won 5-1 on aggregate last season |
The key battle will be in midfield, where City’s Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne will look to control the tempo against Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo. How Chelsea’s attack, likely featuring Cole Palmer against his former club, copes with City’s defensive line led by Ruben Dias will be crucial.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Man City vs Chelsea kick off in Canada?
The Premier League match between Manchester City and Chelsea kicks off at 12:30 PM Eastern Time (ET) / 9:30 AM Pacific Time (PT) on Sunday, January 4, 2026.
Where can I watch Man City vs Chelsea live in Canada?
Canadian viewers can watch the match live on FuboTV and DAZN. These services also provide live streaming options for subscribers.
Why is Chelsea managerless for this game?
Chelsea parted ways with head coach Enzo Maresca just three days before this match. The club is currently in a transitional period, and an interim coach is expected to lead the team at the Etihad Stadium.
What is Manchester City and Chelsea’s recent head-to-head record?
Chelsea have not beaten Manchester City in any competition since the 2021 Champions League final. In the Premier League last season, City won both meetings with an aggregate score of 5-1.