The Blues travel to the Etihad to face a bruised Manchester City side in a crucial top-four Premier League clash. Here are predictions, team news, betting tips, and possible line-ups ahead of the Saturday evening showdown.
This encounter pits fourth against fifth in a battle between master and apprentice.
When Enzo Maresca took the reins at Chelsea, few would have expected him to be locking horns with Pep Guardiola in such high-stakes circumstances, especially after Chelsea’s defeat to City in their opening league game of the season.
However, the current standings reflect an unexpected dip in City’s domestic dominance.
Chelsea endured a rough patch, going five league games without a win before bouncing back with a 3-1 victory over Wolves on Monday.
Meanwhile, City’s recent league form has improved, but their fragility was exposed midweek in a 4-2 Champions League loss to PSG, where they squandered a two-goal lead.
Manchester City vs. Chelsea Head-to-Head
City are unbeaten in their last seven Premier League meetings with Chelsea, with their last defeat coming at home in May 2021 (2-1).
Chelsea have managed just one clean sheet in their last 16 league visits to City and failed to score in seven of those matches.
After a poor run of one win in nine Premier League matches since November last year, City have rediscovered form with three wins in their last four outings.
Manchester City vs. Chelsea Team News and Predicted Line-Ups
Omar Marmoush joined Manchester City from Eintracht Frankfurt | ManCity.com
Ruben Dias remains a doubt after being substituted against PSG due to a knock.
New arrivals Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Vitor Reis could make their debuts, while John Stones is available again.
However, Rodri, Oscar Bobb, and Nathan Ake are expected to miss out.
Enzo Fernandez and Levi Colwill could return for Chelsea after missing the Wolves clash, while Cole Palmer is expected to feature against his former club following recovery from an ankle scare.
Levi Colwill || Credit: Imago
Manchester City Predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)
Ortega (GK); Lewis, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Bernardo; Foden, De Bruyne, Savinho; Haaland
Chelsea Predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)
Sanchez (GK); Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Enzo, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson
Manchester City vs. Chelsea Predictions & Betting Tips
A thrilling showdown filled with goalmouth action is expected at the Etihad, as two attacking sides with defensive vulnerabilities go head-to-head.
Manchester City, bolstered by their recent improvement, will look to maintain their impressive recent record against Chelsea. However, the Blues could find a way to disrupt the hosts’ rhythm, thanks to their counter-attacking qualities
Over 2.5 goals
Both teams to score
Both halves under 1.5 – No
Wow this match is going to be the most interesting match this season