Manchester City and Chelsea meet this Sunday at the Etihad Stadium in the 20th round of the Premier League, in a match that lays bare the contrast between two clubs that started the season with high ambitions. City come in chasing leaders Arsenal and looking to open the year with a win that keeps the title race alive. Chelsea, on the other hand, arrive in Manchester amid a recent coaching change, poor results and an atmosphere that’s heating up off the field again. The central storyline is simple and heavy: while Pep Guardiola’s side enjoy stability and performance, the Blues are trying to survive yet another bout of turbulence, now under interim management, at a stadium where they haven’t won in years.
Manchester City arrive strong despite a recent stumble
Manchester City sit second in the Premier League with 41 points, the product of a solid campaign with 13 wins, two draws and just four losses. The gap to Arsenal still allows room to dream, and the Etihad is usually the perfect stage for that kind of statement.
A run of six straight league wins was halted midweek by a scoreless draw away to Sunderland, but the result doesn’t change the broader picture. The team remain consistent, competitive and deep. Guardiola has welcomed back Rodri and Jérémy Doku, even if both will need their minutes managed carefully.
The confirmed absences are John Stones, Mateo Kovacic and Oscar Bobb, all sidelined through injury. Even so, City head into the match with a lineup capable of setting the tempo, controlling the game and turning pressure into results, something they’ve done regularly this season.
Probable Manchester City lineup: Donnarumma; Matheus Nunes, Rúben Dias, Gvardiol and Aké; Rodri (Nico González), Bernardo Silva and Foden; Doku, Cherki and Haaland.
Chelsea deal with instability and try to avoid another blow
If things feel under control on the blue side of Manchester, the picture is very different in west London. Chelsea dismissed Enzo Maresca on the first day of 2026, bringing an 18-month spell to an end. It delivered trophies, including the Conference League and the Club World Cup, but failed to convince Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital. Results ultimately told the story. Just two wins in their last seven Premier League matches and only two victories across their past nine games in all competitions created an unsustainable situation.
Now Calum McFarlane, the under-21 coach, steps in on an interim basis, tasked with damage control in one of the league’s most demanding environments. Chelsea sit fifth with 30 points, but the position is misleading.
They’re three points behind Liverpool, only one ahead of Manchester United on goal difference and surrounded by Sunderland, Everton, Brentford, Crystal Palace and Fulham. One slip changes everything. Matters are made worse by Moisés Caicedo’s suspension and doubts over Marc Cucurella, adding to the challenge for a team that hasn’t won away from home in three league games and hasn’t beaten City at the Etihad since May 2021.
Probable Chelsea lineup: Sánchez; Malo Gusto, Chalobah, Fofana (Badiashile) and James; Enzo Fernández, Andrey Santos; Estêvão, Cole Palmer and Garnacho; Delap.
Where to watch Manchester City vs Chelsea in the Premier League
United Kingdom: Sky Go UK, NOW, Sky Go Extra, Sky Ultra HD, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, BBC Radio 5 Live.
Canada: DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada, Fubo Sports Network Canada.
United States: NBCSN, Peacock.
What is the date and kick-off time for Manchester City vs Chelsea in the Premier League?
United Kingdom: 5:30 p.m.
United States and Canada (Eastern Time): 12:30 p.m.
United States and Canada (Pacific Time): 9:30 a.m.