Manchester City’s clash with Chelsea will be the main clash in Week 20 of the 2025/26 Premier League, with two heavyweight sides vying for a strong start to 2026 in the clash at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday 4 January.

Manchester City vs Chelsea is expected to be a very interesting game as both teams are hungry for a win, with City keen to move closer to the top of the table and Chelsea looking to close the gap on the top four after Enzo Maresca’s shock exit.

Competition details

Etihad Stadium
Manchester, UK
Sunday, January 4
17:30 GMT

Hungry Manchester City look to inflict more pain on fragile Chelsea

Manchester City vs. Chelsea should be an action-packed game as both teams have the same quality. However, there is no doubt that the City Citizens have a better chance of a dominant victory as they are playing on their home ground against a Chelsea side that currently don’t even have an experienced manager.

City have won four of their last five games but they cannot afford to drop more points as Arsenal appear to be struggling to consolidate their spot at the top of the table. Guardiola needs his side to play clinical football again to put Chelsea in trouble in the upcoming games.

All the Chelsea players could do was outsmart the city and make their fans proud with displays of bravery, tenacity and determination. Manchester City have won their last three games against Chelsea in a row and will be aiming to extend that run with a memorable performance at the Etihad Stadium.

Can the devastating Haaland return to goal-scoring form against Chelsea?

Erling Haaland has been Manchester City’s main driving force in the 2025/26 season, scoring 19 goals in as many Premier League games so far. However, he is keen to get back to his goalscoring spree and get his 2026 off to a good start in the upcoming game against Chelsea.

Haaland has already scored four goals in six career games against Chelsea and he is determined to add to his tally in the upcoming clash at the Etihad Stadium. He will use his physicality and smart movement to get past defenders and get into the right position. And calmly seized the opportunity to lead Manchester City to a big victory.

You may also like: Enzo Maresca exit: What really led to Chelsea’s exit and the explosive statement that rocked the club

Cole Palmer determined to haunt his former club when he returns to Etihad Stadium

Cole Palmer had a frustrating first half of the 2025/26 season due to injury, failing to reach the heights he experienced when helping Chelsea win the Club World Cup. The Englishman has scored just three goals in nine Premier League games so far and is aiming to return to his best in the second half of the season.

Former Manchester City player Palmer aims to be City’s tormentor when he returns to the Etihad Stadium. He should drive the team forward with his clever link-up play, but his finishing and passing into the final third will also need to be extremely efficient to boost Chelsea’s attacking threat and help them achieve favorable results off the pitch.

Manchester City vs Chelsea injury situation

Manchester City injuries: Mateo Kovacic, John Stones, Oscar Bobb, Savinho

Chelsea injuries: Levi Colwell, Romeo Lavia,

Manchester City vs Chelsea Predicted Lineup

Knowing the seriousness of the game, both Guardiola and Chelsea caretaker manager Callum McFarlane will field their strongest squads for this game. Below, let’s take a look at the predicted lineup for Manchester City vs Chelsea:

Manchester City predicted XI: Gianluigi Donnarumma, Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, Josco Gvardiol, Nico O’Reilly, Rodri, Tijani Reynders, Phil Foden, Ryan Cerki, Jeremy Doku, Erling Haaland

Chelsea predicted eleven: Robert Sanchez, Josh Acheda, Wesley Farner, Thyoh Trevoh, Lord, Reecey, Andre Sant, Onzen

main photo

Credit: IMAGO/Moving Image

Record date: December 30, 2025