Date: Sunday 4th January, 2026Time: 6:30 pm
Stadium Etihad Stadium
Referee Michael Oliver (England)
Goal Scorer:
Team News
Manchester City
While Jeremy Doku was welcomed back by City at the Stadium of Light and Rodri secured significant minutes for the first time since October, Guardiola’s men lost Savinho and Nico Gonzalez to injury on Wearside.
As a result of those apparent issues, the home team could now be without as many as seven players: the above pair could join Oscar Bobb (hamstring), John Stones (thigh) and Mateo Kovacic (heel) on the treatment table while Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait Nouri are with Egypt and Algeria at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Erling Haaland failed to score for Pep’s team at Sunderland, meaning he has now not scored at two grounds in top-flight football after Anfield; however, the Norwegian netted a brace in his last match at the Etihad (West Ham) and has scored in three of the past four appearances against Sunday’s visitors.Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Silva, Rodri, Reijnders; Cherki, Foden; Haaland
Chelsea
The London outfit will assess Marc Cucurella before Sunday’s trip, but they should be without the services of Levi Colwill (knee), Romeo Lavia (thigh), Dario Essugo (thigh) and Jorrel Hato.
Perhaps the biggest miss is Moises Caicedo, who is suspended for one match after picking up an early booking against Bournemouth last time out, ruling him out as it was his fifth of the season.
With Maresca gone, it will be interesting to see if McFarlane springs any real tactical surprises for the London club, who are expected to start Cole Palmer in an advanced position in midfield ahead of Enzo Fernandez and Reece James at the base.
Chelsea possible starting lineup:
Sanchez; Acheampong, Fofana, Chalobah, Gusto; James, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Pedro
Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Chelsea
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