English Premier League: Manchester City vs Chelsea Pro Prediction & Betting Tips

Match: English Premier League

Fixture: Manchester City vs Chelsea

Local Kick-off Time: 5:30pm, Sunday, January 4th, 2026

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Opening Odds

Prediction: Manchester City Wins

Manchester City dropped crucial points in their midweek game against Sunderland, falling four points behind Arsenal. With the Gunners playing before them, the gap could further increase before kick-off. That only puts more pressure on the hosts to post a win against a Chelsea side that comes here without a manager after Enzo Maresca was sacked. The Blues have also struggled in their visits to the Etihad and haven't beaten City since the 2021 Champions League final.

City will fancy a win by at least 2+ goals, so our Manchester City vs Chelsea prediction is Manchester City Wins.

Comprehensive Prediction Analysis:

Manchester City

City have 41 points from 19 matches (W13, D2, L4) and are four points behind leaders Arsenal, while being two points ahead of third. They came here after a 0-0 away draw at Sunderland in the midweek, which halted a six-game winning run in the Premier League.

Getting back to the Etihad Stadium is likely to bring the best out of Pep Guardiola's side. They have won their last eight league games here, scoring 3+ goals in seven of those matches.

City lost Savinho and Nico Gonzalez to injuries against Sunderland. Concerns remain over the availability of John Stones and Oscar Bobb, while Mateo Kovacic remains out of contention.

The hosts are likely to stick to their 4-2-3-1 formation with the irresistible Erling Haaland leading the line. Phil Foden is likely to play in the hole behind the striker, while Jeremy Doku could hope for a starting role after starting on the bench against Sunderland. Haaland has failed to score in his last two matches, but will that be a concern?

Chelsea

Chelsea's 30 points from 19 matches (W8, D6, L5) see them start this round three points behind Liverpool but only three points ahead of 11th-placed Fulham. The Blues come here after a 2-2 home draw against Bournemouth last Tuesday.

That result made it three games without a run in the league (D2, L1), and the Blues have just one win to their name across seven matches (D4, L2). Their away form has also tapered off, as Chelsea drew their last two league trips, which were preceded by a 3-1 loss at Leeds.

Moises Caicedo is suspended for this match for Chelsea, while Marc Cucurella remains doubtful. The usual absences remain, as Levi Colwill and Romeo Lavia remain on the sidelines.

It remains to be seen if the temporary manager will stick to the usual 4-2-3-1 formation. Cole Palmer could be the one playing behind the lone striker, who could be Joao Pedro. Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto could be manning the flanks.

Final Prediction:

Asian Handicap: Manchester City -0.5/1

European Handicap: Manchester City Wins

Predicted Scores: 2-0, 2-1, 3-1

Predicted Total Goals: 2, 3, 4
 

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