Enzo Maresca will step into the spotlight this weekend, seeking to exact a measure of revenge on his former mentor, Pep Guardiola.
The upcoming clash between Manchester City and Chelsea carries added intrigue as Maresca, who succeeded Mauricio Pochettino in the summer, looks to overturn the narrative following a chastening 2-0 loss at Stamford Bridge on the opening day of the season.
For Chelsea, that early setback feels like a distant memory as they now sit within the top four—a position that shows their resurgence.
Read on for the full Man City vs Chelsea Preview.
Man City vs Chelsea Preview
Man City vs Chelsea: Historical Record
- Total Meetings: 179
- Manchester City Wins: 67
- Draws: 41
- Chelsea Wins: 71
In a rivalry that spans well over a century, Chelsea holds a narrow edge with 71 victories compared to Manchester City’s 67, alongside 41 stalemates.
The inaugural clash between these two clubs dates back to December 1907, when 40,000 fans at Stamford Bridge witnessed a thrilling 2-2 draw in England’s top flight.
Since the birth of the Premier League in 1992, Chelsea has been the more successful side, winning 27 of their 55 meetings with the Citizens, while City has triumphed 19 times, with nine matches ending in draws.
However, in knockout competitions, City has flipped the script, boasting six victories in nine FA Cup encounters and three wins in four EFL Cup clashes, including a dramatic penalty shootout victory in the 2019 final.
One of the most iconic chapters in this rivalry unfolded in May 2021, when Chelsea edged out Manchester City 1-0 in the Champions League final in Istanbul, thanks to Kai Havertz’s first-half strike.
In the early years of the Premier League, Chelsea dominated this fixture, winning 18 of their first 24 league meetings and netting an impressive 45 goals. Their most dominant streak against City came between December 2005 and March 2009, when they recorded eight consecutive wins.
However, the balance of power has since shifted dramatically. Manchester City has emerged victorious in 17 of the last 31 Premier League meetings, racking up 49 goals in the process. Chelsea has managed just nine wins in that span, with the remaining five matches ending in draws.
Chelsea’s recent struggles against Pep Guardiola’s side are stark: they’ve failed to win in their last 10 meetings across all competitions.
This run includes six consecutive defeats following their Champions League triumph in 2021, before two entertaining draws in the 2023-24 Premier League season.
One of the standout fixtures from the 2023-24 season saw Chelsea and City play out a scintillating 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge.
Rodri seemed to have sealed the victory for the visitors with an 86th-minute goal, only for Cole Palmer, a former City player, to convert a dramatic 94th-minute penalty to salvage a point for the Blues.
In the reverse fixture at the Etihad Stadium, the drama continued. Raheem Sterling’s first-half strike against his former club was canceled out by Rodri’s late equalizer, forcing a resilient Chelsea side to settle for a 1-1 draw.
The most recent encounter took place on the opening weekend of the current season. Manchester City asserted their dominance with a 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge, courtesy of goals from Erling Haaland and former Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic.
Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero is the all-time leading scorer in this fixture, netting 13 goals in 21 appearances, including two Premier League hat-tricks.
Frank Lampard, who famously donned both blue and sky-blue jerseys, follows with eight goals, seven of which he scored for Chelsea.
Other notable contributors include Chelsea’s Jimmy Greaves and City’s Carlos Tevez and Francis Lee, all tied with six goals apiece.
As the two heavyweights prepare for another showdown, fans can expect a contest steeped in history, brimming with quality, and sure to deliver yet another chapter in this storied rivalry.
Man City vs Chelsea : Last 20 meetings:
Aug 18, 2024: Chelsea 0-2 Man City (Premier League)
Apr 20, 2024: Man City 1-0 Chelsea (FA Cup Semi-Finals)
Feb 17, 2024: Man City 1-1 Chelsea (Premier League)
Nov 12, 2023: Chelsea 4-4 Man City (Premier League)
May 21, 2023: Man City 1-0 Chelsea (Premier League)
Jan 8, 2023: Man City 4-0 Chelsea (FA Cup Third Round)
Jan 5, 2023: Chelsea 0-1 Man City (Premier League)
Nov 9, 2022: Man City 2-0 Chelsea (EFL Cup Third Round)
Jan 15, 2022: Man City 1-0 Chelsea (Premier League)
Sep 25, 2021: Chelsea 0-1 Man City (Premier League)
May 29, 2021: Man City 0-1 Chelsea (Champions League Final)
May 8, 2021: Man City 1-2 Chelsea (Premier League)
Apr 17, 2021: Chelsea 1-0 Man City (FA Cup Semi-Finals)
Jan 3, 2021: Chelsea 1-3 Man City (Premier League)
Jun 25, 2020: Chelsea 2-1 Man City (Premier League)
Nov 23 2019: Man City 2-1 Chelsea (Premier League)
Feb 24, 2019: Chelsea 0-0 Man City – 3-4 on penalties (EFL Cup Final)
Feb 10, 2019: Man City 6-0 Chelsea (Premier League)
Dec 8, 2018: Chelsea 2-0 Man City (Premier League)
Aug 5, 2018: Chelsea 0-2 Man City (Community Shield)
Man City vs Chelsea Preview: Current Form
Chelsea
Chelsea’s form of late has been a blend of struggles and occasional glimpses of promise. On December 26, 2024, they hosted Fulham at Stamford Bridge but faltered, succumbing to a narrow 2-1 defeat in a tightly contested affair.
Four days later, their journey to Ipswich ended in disappointment, as they endured a lackluster 2-0 loss.
The turn of the year brought modest improvement. On January 4, 2025, they managed a gritty 1-1 draw away to Crystal Palace, a performance marked by determination but lacking a decisive edge.
Back on home soil on January 14, 2025, Chelsea showcased attacking flair in a thrilling 2-2 stalemate with Bournemouth, though defensive frailties denied them a much-needed victory.
Finally, on January 20, 2025, the Blues delivered an authoritative performance, claiming a 3-1 triumph over Wolves at Stamford Bridge. It was a vital morale boost for the side, signaling a potential turning point in a season riddled with inconsistency.
Chelsea’s Last 5 Games:
- vs Fulham (12/26/2024): Lost 1-2
- @ Ipswich (12/30/2024): Lost 0-2
- @ Crystal Palace (1/4/2025): Drew 1-1
- vs Bournemouth (1/14/2025): Drew 2-2
- vs Wolves (1/20/2025): Won 3-1
Manchester City
Manchester City’s recent outings underline their strength and tenacity, combining emphatic victories with moments of resolve. On December 26, 2024, City hosted Everton in a tightly fought contest, ultimately settling for a 1-1 draw.
Just three days later, they traveled to Leicester and asserted their dominance with a composed 2-0 win, underscoring their efficiency on the road.
Returning to the Etihad on January 4, 2025, City unleashed their offensive might, dismantling West Ham 4-1 in a commanding display of attacking brilliance. Ten days later, they faced Brentford in a pulsating away clash that ended 2-2, a testament to their resilience in the face of adversity.
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However, their crowning moment came on January 19, 2025, as City obliterated Ipswich 6-0 on enemy turf. It was a masterclass in control and clinical execution, reaffirming their stature as one of the league’s most formidable sides.
Manchester City’s Last 5 Games:
- vs Everton (12/26/2024): Drew 1-1
- @ Leicester (12/29/2024): Won 2-0
- vs West Ham (1/4/2025): Won 4-1
- @ Brentford (1/14/2025): Drew 2-2
- @ Ipswich (1/19/2025): Won 6-0
Man City vs Chelsea Preview: Chelsea Team News
Chelsea Injury Updates
Wesley Fofana
Chelsea’s defensive stalwart, Wesley Fofana, faces an extended spell on the sidelines after sustaining a severe hamstring injury in early January. Managerial insights from January 3 reveal the grim reality that the injury could rule him out for the remainder of the season.
Benoit Badiashile
Badiashile is in recovery from a thigh issue, with updates on January 3 confirming his absence until at least mid-February. The defender’s return remains contingent on his progress in rehabilitation.
Levi Colwill
Colwill, dealing with an unspecified setback, is showing signs of improvement. As of January 20, he is under observation, with a 50% probability of being fit for Chelsea’s fixture on January 25.
Enzo Fernandez
Midfield dynamo Enzo Fernandez is contending with muscle fatigue or a minor issue, as per the January 20 report. His return remains ambiguous, with only a 25% likelihood of availability for the next match as assessments continue.
Mykhailo Mudryk
Mudryk, currently serving a suspension, has no set date for his return to the squad. Club officials reiterated their unwavering support for the player but refrained from providing further updates as of January 17.
Omari Kellyman
Hamstring troubles have left Omari Kellyman sidelined indefinitely. No concrete recovery timeline has been offered for the young talent.
Romeo Lavia
Lavia remains unavailable due to a muscle-related issue. The January 20 update highlighted uncertainty around the severity of the problem, with no definitive return date yet in sight.
Manchester City Injury Updates
Rodrigo Hernandez Cascante
Rodri is facing a lengthy period on the sidelines following a knee injury sustained earlier this season. The club’s managerial staff confirmed on January 3 that his focus is on a thorough recovery, with the optimistic goal of seeing him back in action by season’s end.
Oscar Bobb
Bobb is recovering from an issue affecting his calf, shin, or heel. As of January 10, the young player has resumed partial training with his teammates. Initially diagnosed with a bone fracture, the injury has now healed. However, his full recovery depends on regaining peak physical condition. Bobb is expected to make his return by February 2, 2025.
Nathan Ake
Ake remains unavailable due to an ongoing muscular injury. At present, no definitive timeline has been provided for his recovery, leaving his potential return uncertain.
Man City vs Chelsea Preview: Predicted XI
Chelsea: Sanchez; James, Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Dewsbury-Hall; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson
Substitutes: Jorgensen, Gusto, Acheampong, Disasi, George, Joao Felix, Sancho, Nkunku, Guiu
Manchester City
Starting XI: Ederson; Nunes, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Bernardo, De Bruyne (C); Foden, Haaland, Savinho.
Substitutes: Ortega, Carson, Lewis, Stones, Alleyne, Wright, O’Reilly, Gundogan, McAtee, Grealish.
Where to Watch: Man City vs Chelsea Preview
TV Channel: Sky Sports will broadcast the match live in the UK, with various local broadcasters covering the game in other regions.
Highlights: Catch the best moments from the Ma City vs Chelsea match after full-time at 9:30 pm on the official Chelsea website and app.
Full Match Replay: If you missed the action, watch the full game from midnight on Saturday via our official website and app.
Press Conference: Enzo Maresca’s pre-match press conference will be streamed live on the official Chelsea website and app on Friday, January 24. The full session will be available to view on demand later in the day, ahead of the Man City vs Chelsea showdown.
Match Information
Date: Saturday, January 25, 2025
Kick-off: 5:30 pm (UK time)
Venue: Etihad Stadium
FAQs for Man City vs Chelsea Preview:
Who is Enzo Maresca facing in the upcoming match?
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s manager, will face his former mentor, Pep Guardiola, when Chelsea meets Manchester City in an exciting Premier League clash.
What’s Chelsea’s record against Manchester City historically?
Chelsea leads the all-time head-to-head with 71 wins compared to Manchester City’s 67, but the Citizens have been more successful in recent years.
How has Chelsea’s form been recently?
Chelsea has shown a mix of results, including a loss to Fulham and Ipswich, but they bounced back with a 3-1 victory over Wolves, signaling potential improvement.
How has Manchester City performed recently?
Manchester City has been in decent form, winning four out of their last five matches, including a dominant 6-0 win against Ipswich.
Which players are unavailable for Chelsea?
Chelsea will be missing several key players, including Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, and Mykhailo Mudryk, among others.
When is the Manchester City vs Chelsea match?
The Manchester City vs Chelsea match is scheduled for January 25, 2025, at 8:00 PM (GMT).
