Chelsea's first game without Enzo Maresca in charge is a tricky trip to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday evening. Indeed, the Blues sacked the Italian manager this week, after a poor run of results.
Their latest disappointment was a 2-2 draw at home to Bournemouth, which was a step too far from the board. Meanwhile, City's own impressive winning run was ended with a 0-0 draw away at Sunderland, leaving them now four points behind league leaders Arsenal in the title race.
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Manchester City vs Chelsea prediction: City to give visitors more Blues?
Key stats
- City have won their last four home games in all competitions.
- Chelsea have won just once in five away matches across all competitions.
- City are unbeaten in 12 H2Hs in all competitions, winning the previous four.
Correct score prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Chelsea
With home advantage and playing against a team without a manager, City should be favourites to claim all three points. With two high attacking teams on display, we are also expecting plenty of goals in this one.
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Pre-game odds and win probability: City favourites with bookmakers
- HOME: 3/5 (1.60) – 62.5%
- DRAW: 18/5 (4.60) – 21.7%
- AWAY: 7/2 (4.50) – 22.2%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, City are the clear favourites with bookmakers to claim all three points on home soil. Interestingly, both a draw and a Chelsea win are separated by just 0.5%.
Also, feel free to check out our dedicated Today’s betting tips page, as well as our Premier League predictions & betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: City hold upper hand
As mentioned before, City are unbeaten in the last 12 meetings between the two teams across all competitions. They are also on a four-match winning streak in the fixture, and so also hold a psychological edge.
England Premier League 25/01/25
Man City
Chelsea
England Premier League 18/08/24
Chelsea
Man City
Elite Club Friendlies 03/08/24
Man City
Chelsea
England FA Cup 20/04/24
Man City
Chelsea
England Premier League 17/02/24
Man City
Chelsea
Manchester City preview: Rodri to start?
Rodri made his return from injury against Sunderland last time out, and may have earned himself a start. Jeremy Doku could also be used from the start after also coming off the bench at the Stadium of Light.
Predicted lineup: Donnarumma (GK); Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, Ake; Silva, Rodri, Cherki; Foden, Doku & Haaland
Last five results:
- Sunderland 0-0 Manchester City
- Nottingham Forest 1-2 Manchester City
- Manchester City 3-0 West Ham
- Manchester City 2-0 Brentford
- Crystal Palace 0-3 Manchester City
Chelsea preview: Late call on Cucurella availability
Interim coach Calum McFarlane will be without Moises Caicedo through suspension. There will be a late call on Marc Cucurella's availability.
Predicted lineup: Sanchez (GK); James, Fofana, Chalobah, Gusto; Santos, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Estevao & Pedro
Last five results:
- Chelsea 2-2 Bournemouth
- Chelsea 1-2 Aston Villa
- Newcastle 2-2 Chelsea
- Cardiff 1-3 Chelsea
- Chelsea 2-0 Everton
Player to watch: Rodri
Rodri is such an important player for City, and they always seem to play better when the former Ballon d'Or winner plays from the start. He made his return from the bench against Sunderland last time out, and could be given a chance from the start against Chelsea, especially with question marks over the fitness of Nico Gonzalez.