Manchester City vs Chelsea Prediction & Betting Tips (4 January)

While lagging behind Arsenal, Manchester City has found the right fuel in recent weeks, which has allowed them to get back into the title race. Pep Guardiola's gang now occupies 2nd place in the Premier League, 4 points behind the leader. After a setback suffered at Newcastle 2-1, the Skyblues scored six victories. They have in turn won against Leeds 3-2, Fulham 4-5, Sunderland 3-0, Crystal Palace 0-3, West Ham 3-0 and Nottingham Forest last weekend 1-2. This dynamic ended on the Sunderland pitch in midweek 0-0. To its advantage in the Champions League, Manchester City is in the fight to reach the round of 16 directly in 4th with 1 point ahead of 9th. Completely out of the title race, Chelsea retains the ambition of qualifying for the next Champions League.

The London team is currently 5th in the Premier League and is 3 points behind in 4th place. The Blues have been progressing slowly for several weeks, as evidenced by the only success gleaned during the last 7 days, for 4 draws and 2 defeats. Beaten at home by Aston Villa last weekend 1-2, they were then held to a draw, in front of their fans, by Bournemouth this week 2-2. This result led to the dismissal of coach Enzo Maresca. 13th in the Champions League, Chelsea are 2 points behind the Top 8. 

For this meeting, Manchester City remains without experienced defender Stones, long-absent midfielder Kovacic and replacement winger Bobb. Affected this week against Sunderland, midfielder Nico and winger Savinho have joined the infirmary. Added to this are the absences of replacements Ait-Nouri (side) and Marmoush (forward), who are currently playing in the CAN. In the offensive sector, we should still find the influential Cherki (2 goals and 7 assists in PL), Foden (7 goals and 2 assists in PL) and Haaland (19 goals and 4 assists in PL). Recovered from their injury, midfielder Rodri and winger Doku (1 goal and 4 assists in PL) returned to the field on the last day. Manchester City has the best attack in the championship.

As for Chelsea, the long-term absentees Colwill (defender) and Essugo (midfielder) are still missing, as well as replacement midfielder Lavia, who has not sufficiently recovered from their physical problems. Furthermore, the participations of the starting fullback Cucurella and the replacement defender Hato are not assured while the winger Mudryk continues to serve his suspension. Midfielder Enzo Fernandez (5 goals in PL) and playmaker Cole Palmer (3 goals in PL) found the net this week. Brazilian international Joao Pedro (6 goals and 3 assists in PL) was a substitute but could benefit from the change of coach to find a starting place. Wingers Pedro Neto (5 goals and 3 assists in PL), Estevao (1 goal in PL) and Garnacho (1 goal and 3 assists in PL) are available. 

• Summary: Manchester City is going head to head with Chelsea starting on 4 Jan 2026 at 17:30 UTC at Etihad Stadium stadium, Manchester city, England. The match is a part of the Premier League .
• Referee: Michael Oliver
• Manchester City Feedinco Rating: 7.01
• Chelsea Feedinco Rating: 6.91