Manchester City vs Chelsea Preview – the Blues go to battle without Maresca
Manchester City vs Chelsea has the feel of a regular big-six Sunday, right up until you remember Chelsea have arrived in Manchester with their manager-shaped space suddenly empty.
Enzo Maresca walked away on New Year’s Day, leaving Calum McFarlane to steer the ship on an interim basis and leaving Chelsea to do the most Chelsea thing possible: head to the Etihad right as the plot thickens.
City, meanwhile, are trying to restart their goal machine after Sunderland managed the rare trick of keeping Guardiola’s side out in a 0-0. They are third, still right in it, and still built to turn one good five-minute spell into a two-goal lead.
How are Chelsea going to cope during this period of instability?
The Setup
Chelsea’s immediate challenge is emotional as much as tactical. A managerial exit that abrupt can scramble roles and routines, but it can also simplify them. When the noise is loud enough, simple instructions act as a game plan players can actually absorb.
City’s challenge is the opposite. They know exactly who they are, and that can slip into autopilot, especially after a draining festive run. Guardiola has already hinted at managing minutes for returnees, and the schedule only gets uglier from here.
So this is the fun part: a super-structured machine at home against a high-talent opponent who might be freer than usual. Not better coached, not magically fixed. Just unshackled enough to be awkward.
Match details
- Competition: Premier League
- Venue: Etihad Stadium
- Kick-off: Sunday 4 January 2026, 17:30 GMT
- League context: Manchester City third, Chelsea fifth
- Referee: Michael Oliver
The Maresca factor: what actually changes without him?
Tactically, maybe less than you think, at least in week one. Chelsea have largely lined up in a 4-2-3-1 this season, and the squad is built for that spacing: double pivot, a line of creators, and attackers who can rotate across the three.
What can change quickly is the risk tolerance. Pressing triggers may be less choreographed and more instinctive. Build-up might skip a few extra passes. Selection could lean on simplicity and seniority rather than strict role theory.
The other wrinkle is psychological. Chelsea’s squad is young, but it is not short on personalities. If the game becomes messy, that often suits them more than it suits City.
🚨 Breaking: Enzo Maresca and Chelsea agreed on the mutual termination of the Italian manager’s contract with immediate effect. The Blues will be looking for a new manager ASAP pic.twitter.com/AtSTn53OEW
— 365Scores (@365Scores) January 1, 2026
Team news: Manchester City
The headline is Rodri and Jeremy Doku returning, with Guardiola expected to be cautious after long layoffs.
Key absences and doubts:
- Rayan Aït-Nouri and Omar Marmoush are away at AFCON
- Savinho is expected to miss out after going off injured at Sunderland
- Mateo Kovačić remains sidelined
- John Stones is a major doubt but could feature
City’s broader form markers are familiar. Eight straight Premier League home wins, a habit of scoring in bursts, and a defensive record that rarely invites panic. They remain the league’s top scorers and one of its most secure back lines.
Team news: Chelsea
Chelsea’s selection is shaped by midfield maths and a couple of defensive fitness calls.
- Moisés Caicedo is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card
- Marc Cucurella is a major doubt with a hamstring issue
- Jorrel Hato is also a doubt
- Roméo Lavia could return depending on fitness
- Levi Colwill remains out with an ACL injury
Chelsea’s recent league form tells a familiar story. One win in seven, too many draws, and a habit of letting leads slip. They have already dropped 15 points from winning positions this season.
Key stats that shape the story
City are unbeaten in their last eight Premier League meetings with Chelsea, winning six of them. Chelsea have not beaten City in the league since May 2021.
City have won eight of their last ten home league games against Chelsea, with the Etihad becoming a particularly unfriendly stop in recent seasons.
Chelsea are a possession-heavy side, averaging close to 60 percent of the ball and over 500 passes per match. They have also been clinical, converting just over half of their big chances.
City’s attack still runs through one certainty. Erling Haaland has 19 league goals in 19 games, accounting for nearly half of City’s Premier League goals.
The battles that decide it
City’s box presence vs Chelsea’s defensive wobble
Chelsea have been dangerous aerially at the other end, but defensively the numbers suggest vulnerability. City thrive on half-chances, rebounds, and cut-backs, and that is where this game could tilt.
Chelsea’s right side and Reece James’ role
James has often drifted into midfield and is Chelsea’s leading assister. With Caicedo suspended, his ability to control tempo and protect the centre could be decisive.
City’s creators and the third-man runs
City’s ability to create overloads through quick combinations remains lethal. If Chelsea’s shape loses discipline without Maresca’s touchline control, those gaps appear quickly.
Key players to watch
Manchester City
- Erling Haaland: if City pin Chelsea deep, he will get chances
- Rodri: City’s control dial. Even limited minutes change the rhythm
- Jeremy Doku: the chaos merchant, especially if Chelsea’s full-backs are undercooked
Chelsea
- João Pedro: Chelsea’s top league scorer and most reliable finisher
- Cole Palmer: Chelsea’s creative barometer between the lines
- Enzo Fernández: more responsibility, more ground to cover, and a big test
Likely line-ups (with sensible caveats)
Manchester City (4-3-3):
Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Aké, Gvardiol or O’Reilly; Bernardo Silva, Rodri or González, Foden; Cherki, Doku, Haaland.
Chelsea (4-2-3-1):
Sánchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Badiashile or Tosin, Cucurella if fit; James, Enzo Fernández; Neto, Palmer, Gittens; João Pedro.
Chelsea’s biggest call is midfield balance. Without Caicedo, protecting the centre while still progressing the ball is the tightrope.
FAQs
When is Manchester City vs Chelsea?
Sunday 4 January 2026 at 17:30 GMT.
Where is the match being played?
At the Etihad Stadium in Manchester.
Who is managing Chelsea after Maresca’s departure?
Chelsea are being led on an interim basis by Calum McFarlane.
Is Moisés Caicedo available?
No. He is suspended for this match.
Which City players are definitely out?
Aït-Nouri and Marmoush are away at AFCON, while Savinho is expected to miss out through injury.
What is the recent head-to-head record?
City are unbeaten in their last eight Premier League matches against Chelsea, with Chelsea’s last league win coming in May 2021.
By Nicky Helfgott – NickyHelfgott1 on X (Twitter)
Keep up with all the latest football news and Premier League news on 365Scores!
