Chelsea head towards Manchester City after an eventful start to 2026 with Enzo Maresca sacked and the project seriously doubted.
As the Blues search for a new manager, with Calum McFarlane as interim boss, Pep Guardiola’s City aim to stay in touch with Premier League leader Arsenal, who extended their lead to four points earlier this week.
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City’s stalemate with Sunderland has given Mikel Arteta’s side an advantage, but with the Blues struggling, having failed to win any of their last three league games, including the 2-2 draw at home to Bournemouth last time out, they risk losing further ground in the fight to finish in the top four.
A 3-1 victory for City in their last meeting in January last year extended the Blues’ winless streak against their rivals to 11 matches since winning the Champions League final at Porto in 2021.
Here’s everything you need to know about the clash at the Etihad Stadium
When will Man City v Chelsea take place?
The Premier League clash between Man City and Chelsea kicks off at 5:30 p.m. GMT on Sunday January 4 at the Etihad Stadium.
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How can I watch it?
UK viewers can watch the match on TV with Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League and find a live online stream via Sky Go and Sky Go Extra. Coverage begins at 5 p.m. GMT.
If you are not a Sky customer, you can grab a NOWTV day pass here to watch without subscription.
Confirmed lineups
Man City XI: Donnarumma, Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly, Rodri, Bernardo, Reijnders, Foden, Cherki, Haaland.
Chelsea XI:Jorgensen; Acheampong, Chalobah, Badiashile, Gusto; Fernández, James; Estevao, Palmer, Neto; João Pedro.
Team News
Pep Guardiola made just three changes to the team that drew against Sunderland last time out. In defense, Josko Gvardiol returns in place of Nathan Ake, while key midfielder Rodri replaces the injured Nico Gonzalez in midfield.
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Savinho makes way for Tijjani Reijnders in the final change, with the Dutchman in midfield and Phil Foden moving into a more advanced role.
Chelsea interim boss Calum McFarlane has made five changes to the side that drew Bournemouth in midweek.
In goal, Robert Sanchez gives way to Filip Jorgensen, the Spaniard not even on the Blues bench. In defense, Wesley Fofana replaces Benoit Badiashile, the Frenchman not being on the substitutes bench either.
Reece James partners Enzo Fernandez in defense in the absence of the suspended Moises Caicedo, while Pedro Neto is preferred to Alejandro Garnacho on the wing and Liam Delap makes way for Pedro Neto up front.
