Clash of Titans: Manchester City vs Chelsea Preview

Manchester City hopes to host Chelsea in an English Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, January 26, 2025, aiming to return to winning ways in the early hours of WIB. The clash between these elite teams is a battle for a top-four or Champions League position.

Manchester City is in shock. The team's performance remains inconsistent, despite a significant 4-1 victory over West Ham United and a 6-0 win against Ipswich Town in domestic competition.

City also dropped points again when they were held to a 2-2 draw by Brentford. It was a disappointing result, especially since Erling Haaland and others had given them a 2-0 lead, but the hosts managed to equalize.

A similar situation occurred when City visited Paris Saint-Germain at the Champions League headquarters. In fact, they suffered a heartbreaking defeat. They scored twice but PSG managed to come back. Not only did they level the score, but the Ligue 1 club successfully turned the game around to win 4-2.
The loss in Paris eliminated City from the playoff zone. To advance to the Round of 16, even through the playoffs, City must win their final Champions League match against Club Brugge.

The issue is that before facing Brugge, Guardiola’s team must first overcome Chelsea. Facing a hot Chelsea side is clearly not an easy task. Although their performances have not been entirely stable, Chelsea is still a team with quality and depth.

Chelsea is currently ranked fourth in the Champions League zone, which is effective evidence if head coach Enzo Maresca's touch yields satisfactory results. In their last Premier League match, Chelsea defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-1.

Chelsea's impressive performances have surprised Manchester City. In the first match at Stamford Bridge, City did win 2-0. However, this cannot serve as a benchmark when the two teams meet again at the Etihad. Furthermore, Guardiola still cannot field his best lineup, as some players will be sidelined.
Lastly, defender Ruben Dias was injured in the match against Paris Saint-Germain. In fact, he requested to be substituted because he could not continue.
If he does not recover before the match, Dias will certainly be absent. Another defender at risk of missing out is Nathan Ake, who has not yet recovered. Meanwhile, Kyle Walker has transferred to AC Milan.

However, Manchester City has three new players: Omar Mamush, Abdulkodir Khusanov, and Vitor Reis. They may make their debuts, even if they start on the bench. Both Khusanov and Vitor Reis, also in defensive positions, have opportunities to appear in the match.
Guardiola seems to have made no changes to the player composition. Haaland will again lead the attack, supported by Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, and Savinho.
Meanwhile, Chelsea will once again rely on goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. Despite making several mistakes that led to goals, Sanchez remains the preferred choice under the crossbar.

He is supported by Malo Gusto, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Marc Cucurella. Midfielder Moises Caicedo is the first choice if Enzo Fernandez is unable to play due to muscle injury.

Forward Nicolas Jackson is the preferred striker, supported by former Manchester City duo Cole Palmer and Jadon Sancho.

Predicted Lineups
Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Ortega; Lewis, Stones, Akanji, Guardiol; Kovacic, Bernardo; Foden, De Bruyne, Savinho; Haaland
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Desbury-Hall, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson