Manchester City
- City have won both Premier League clashes with Chelsea during the 2024 - 26 cycle (3-1 H in Jan 2025, 2-0 A in Aug 2024).
- City are on a nine-game winning streak across all competitions, scoring 11 times in their last three league matches.
Chelsea
- Chelsea are probably fifth with around 30 and battling to stay in the top-four.
- Maresca’s side play from a 4-3-3 base and are more methodical in the way they build up their play and use the ball in possession.
- They will attempt to overload the center of the field and keep the ball in order to keep City at bay.
Head-to-Head
- In terms of their overall head-to-head, Chelsea narrowly lead.
- The last three league meetings have produced 15 goals, underlining the fixture's explosive potential.
Manchester City
- Rodri’s return to fitness has given Guardiola more control in the center of the pitch.
- Erling Haaland is the best goal scorer in the world and has just reached 100 Premier League goals in record time.
- Phil Foden has been in a purple patch throughout December, creating goals and scoring them.
- Rúben Dias and Joško Gvardiol have also chipped in with goals from defenders.
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Recent City form:
- Sunderland 0-3 City
- West Ham 0-3 City
- Fulham 4-5 City
Chelsea
- Cole Palmer is the creative heartbeat of Chelsea’s team.
- Moisés Caicedo, if he plays, will be a key player as their ball-winning midfielder and the discipline that underpins the Chelsea structure.
Betting Insights
- City are 1.63 favorites to beat Chelsea at the Etihad on Sunday.
- Chelsea are 4.6 outsiders and the draw is priced at 4.2.
- BTTS is coming in at 1.53 - suggesting it’s a strong expectation that both teams will score.
- It should be a thrilling contest, nonetheless, with the potential for plenty of goals.
Prediction
- It is a massive game for both clubs and a close game can’t be ruled out, but City are in such red-hot form that they are likely to find a way to edge it.
- Expect a tactical battle between Pep Guardiola and Enzo Maresca and a high-tempo, goal-filled game.
