After both Chelsea and Manchester City settled for draws last time out—against Bournemouth and Sunderland respectively—Sunday’s clash promises to be a key test as both sides chase points for their title and European ambitions.

For Chelsea, the match takes on extra significance following the sensational departure of Enzo Maresca amid behind-the-scenes tension. The Blues are now searching for a new manager while also aiming to halt a three-game winless run that could see them drop as low as ninth in the Premier League.

Maresca exit adds intrigue
Adding to the drama, strong rumours suggest Maresca could take over at City in time for the 2026/27 season. Having previously served on Pep Guardiola’s backroom staff at Barcelona, Maresca is familiar with the club’s operations, and now that he is effectively a free agent, the door is open should City offer him the role. Guardiola, however, remains fully engaged with his squad and appears intent on completing the season on a high.

City pegged back at Sunderland
City’s draw at Sunderland was disappointing in their chase of Arsenal, who lead the table by two points, but it extended their unbeaten streak to seven games. Chelsea, meanwhile, will need a strong performance to begin rebuilding momentum and close the gap to the top four—even a win would still leave them eight points behind City.

The last meeting at the Etihad saw City claim a comfortable 3-1 victory, and the hosts have been dominant at home this season, winning eight of nine league fixtures and drawing the other. In their last six encounters, whether home or away, City have won five and drawn once.

Haaland poised to strike
Chelsea have managed just one win in their past six matches and have not beaten Guardiola’s side in the Premier League since May 2021. Erling Haaland, who scored in that last home victory over Chelsea, has 19 goals this season and is expected to open his New Year account after being held scoreless at the Stadium of Light.

Chelsea will look to Joao Pedro and Enzo Fernandez—six and five goals respectively—to lead their attacking efforts. Fernandez, nominally a central midfielder, tops the team in total shots (37) and shots on target (16), highlighting both his attacking instincts and Chelsea’s struggles up front.

Injury and suspension woes
The Blues face a depleted squad, missing Moises Caicedo through suspension and Mykhailo Mudryk indefinitely. Marc Cucurella and youngsters Levi Colwill, Romeo Lavia, Dario Essugo, and Jorrel Hato are also unavailable.

City, meanwhile, are without Oscar Bobb, John Stones, and Mateo Kovacic, while Rayan Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmoush are away at the Africa Cup of Nations.

With Chelsea under interim U21 manager Calum McFarlane, much will depend on tactical setup. The board is expected to appoint a permanent replacement for Maresca soon.

Expect goals
Chelsea have conceded just 21 goals in 19 games, but they will face the league’s top scorers, City, who have 43 goals to their name. Expect a defensively cautious approach, similar to Sunderland’s game plan, with rapid counterattacks when opportunities arise. City have not conceded in the first 15 minutes this season but have allowed goals at other stages, while Chelsea’s defensive vulnerabilities have been evident throughout matches.

A goal is likely on Sunday, with Chelsea having gone goalless just five times recently and City 20 times. If City score first, history suggests a comeback will be difficult: they have won 13, drawn one, and lost just once when leading this season. Chelsea, if behind at halftime, have not won a single match in 2025/26.

Ultimately, Chelsea will need to balance defensive discipline with carefully chosen attacking moments to have any chance against a City side that consistently peaks after the New Year.