Manchester City vs Chelsea headlines the first full Premier League matchday of 2026.
And Enzo Maresca’s unexpected departure has only made this Super Sunday fixture even bigger, especially as the Italian is being tipped as a potential Pep Guardiola successor.
Furthermore, City’s 0-0 draw at Sunderland on Thursday has seen them fall four points behind Arsenal, so anything but a win over managerless Chelsea would spell serious danger for the Citizens in the title race.
What a game we have in prospect, so make sure you check out our full preview below, complete with betting tips and our latest offering of odds.
And before Manchester City vs Chelsea gets underway, make sure to have a look at out our latest Bet Builder Offer. Earn yourself a £5 Free Bet when you place a qualifying (3 or more selections, minimum odds 3.00) £10 Bet Builder on this fixture!
Where can I watch Manchester City vs Chelsea in the UK?
Manchester City vs Chelsea will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with kick-off scheduled for 5:30pm UK time.
Manchester City vs Chelsea Preview
Recent results
City’s stalemate at Sunderland brought an end to a six-match winning run in the top flight. But the Citizens have been formidable at home this season, boasting eight victories from nine and 25 goals scored.
As for Chelsea, Tuesday night’s 2-2 draw with Bournemouth means it is just one victory in the last seven Premier League contests. The Blues’ recent away trips saw them lose 3-1 at Leeds, before consecutive draws vs Bournemouth (0-0) and Newcastle (2-2).
Head-to-head record
City have a fantastic recent record against Chelsea. The Citizens are unbeaten in the last 11 meetings across all competitions, winning nine of those fixtures. Last season’s Premier League contest at the Etihad finished 3-1 to Guardiola’s men, though the two sides did play out a 1-1 draw in Manchester back in February 2024.
Team news
Nico Gonzalez, Savinho and Nico O’Reilly all picked up injuries in the 0-0 draw at Sunderland, with the two Nicos major doubts for the Chelsea game, and Savinho likely to be out for a while. John Stones, Oscar Bobb and Mateo Kovacic are still absent, while Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait-Nouri are at AFCON.
Unfortunately for Chelsea, key midfielder Moises Caicedo is serving a one-match suspension here after collecting his fifth yellow of the season vs Bournemouth. Marc Cucurella is also a major injury doubt, as is Jorrel Hato. Levil Colwill and Romeo Lavia remain out.
Manchester City vs Chelsea Odds
*All odds are subject to change
City are the big favourites ahead of kick-off, priced at just 1.62 to claim the victory. A win for Chelsea is at odds of 4.50, which is the same value as the draw here.
Manchester City vs Chelsea Betting Tips
Player to score or assist – Matheus Nunes @ 2.82
With Cucurella potentially absent through injury, Chelsea’s left-hand side could be decidedly weaker. This presents an opportunity to marauding right-back Nunes, who has a goal and three assists in Premier League action this season.
Erling Haaland to have over 1.5 shots on target @ 1.62
One of the safer bets you can place this weekend. Chelsea’s defence has been all over the place in recent games, conceding two goals in each of the last three. Haaland, the Premier League’s top scorer with 19 goals, should keep Robert Sanchez very busy at the Etihad.
Enzo Fernandez to commit over 1.5 fouls @ 2.38
With Caicedo suspended and Lavia still injured, much of the midfield responsibility falls at the feet of the tenacious Fernandez. And the Argentine is certainly no stranger to a foul, committing at least two of them in four of Chelsea’s last five Premier League matches.
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