Manchester City FC vs Chelsea FC, English Premier League 2024-25, Today Match Prediction

Manchester City FC vs Chelsea FC Match Prediction & Analysis

Manchester City faces a crucial week as they look to bounce back from a 4-2 defeat to PSG in the Champions League. With their UCL hopes hanging by a thread, all eyes now turn to Saturday's showdown against Chelsea in the Premier League at the Etihad Stadium, kicking off at 11 p.m. IST.

Chelsea hasn’t had it easy either, enduring a five-game winless run before finally breaking the streak with a 3-1 victory over a struggling Wolves side earlier this week. With both teams desperate for momentum, Saturday’s clash promises to be a thrilling showdown.

Current Standings: Manchester City currently sits 5th with 16 points in the league standings, while Chelsea holds 4th place with 40 points. 

Head-to-head Record: Chelsea leads 27-19 in this rivalry after 55 matches, while nine have ended in draws.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Manchester City FC Preview

Blowing a 2-0 lead is never ideal, but Manchester City seem to be making a habit of it lately. Just last week in the Premier League, they let Brentford claw back for a 2-2 draw. Fast forward to the Champions League, and it’s even worse—PSG turned the tables on them, storming back to win 4-2. Two games, two blown leads, and a lot for Guardiola to think about. 

The biggest takeaway for Manchester City recently has been Phil Foden’s electrifying return to form. The attacking midfielder has bagged five goals in his last three Premier League outings, including a stunning brace in City’s 6-0 demolition of Ipswich Town. In addition, with 10 points from their last four matches, City has found the spark they need to keep their top-four hopes very much alive.

New Signings

Guardiola has bolstered his defense with January signings Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis, both in contention for Saturday’s squad as Rúben Dias remains a doubt. Adding to the excitement, City splashed £63 million on Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt, with the forward ready to make an immediate impact. 

Team News 

Apart from Rúben Dias’ injury, City have a fully fit squad. Everyone who featured against PSG is ready to face Chelsea.

Manchester City Probable Starting Lineup -  Ederson (GK), Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Kovacic, Foden, Nunes, Haaland & Doku

Chelsea FC Preview

Chelsea will look to capitalize on their midweek rest by targeting any fatigue in City’s ranks. However, their away form has dipped, with no wins in their last three away trips (two draws, one loss) and just one goal scored. This is a far cry from their early-season dominance, where they won six of their first eight and averaged nearly three goals per  game. 

The partnership between Noni Madueke and Cole Palmer has been a driving force behind Chelsea’s title ambitions. With 25 chances created between them in the Premier League this season, they’re the most creative duo in the league. Palmer’s 17 assists for Madueke also stand as the most from one player to a teammate this term, highlighting their crucial link-up. 

Tactics 

Enzo Maresca’s tactics for this crucial clash will center around stopping Kevin De Bruyne, who has long been a thorn in Chelsea’s side. With five Premier League goals against his former club—only Arsenal has seen more—De Bruyne’s recent form adds to Chelsea’s worry. Scoring four goals in his last three games, he's clearly regained his mojo, and stopping him will be key to Chelsea’s hopes. 

Team News 

Chelsea will be without Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile, while Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Omari Kellyman also remain sidelined. To make matters worse, Mykhailo Mudryk is serving an FA suspension, adding another blow to their list of absentees. 

Chelsea Probable Starting Lineup -  Sanchez (GK), Adarabioyo, Cucurella, Chalobah, James, Dewsbury-Hall, Palmer, Caicedo, Neto, Madueke & Jackson

MANCHESTER CITY FC vs CHELSEA FC
Winning Prediction

The match result looks a little tricky to predict given the indifferent form of these two teams leading up to this fixture. However, this should be a really entertaining game as neither team is known to put the brakes on, especially City at home, so Chelsea will sense an opportunity as well against the shaky defense of the Cityzens.

Meanwhile, Manchester City has been a dominant force at the Etihad against Chelsea, going unbeaten in their last seven Premier League encounters (five wins, two draws) since their 2021 defeat. The Blues have found little joy on City's turf, and it could be the decisive factor in this clash.

As far as the odds are concerned, Manchester City are the favorites according to most betting sites. Manchester City are the favorites to win their match against Chelsea, with odds of 2.05 to 3.30 for City and odds of a draw of 4.

Man City to Win (2-1)

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