| Manchester City vs Chelsea | |
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MATCH INFO |
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MATCH :
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Manchester City vs Chelsea
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COMPETITION :
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Premier League
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| DATE: |
04-01-2026
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TIME:
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11.00 PM IST
09.30 PM UAE
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STADIUM
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Etihad Stadium
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Manchester City endured mixed fortunes on Wearside, as Jeremy Doku made a welcome return at the Stadium of Light and Rodri completed his most substantial outing since October. However, Pep Guardiola’s side were dealt fresh injury blows, with both Savinho and Nico González forced off during the contest.
Those setbacks could leave City severely stretched, with as many as seven players potentially unavailable. Savinho and González may join Oscar Bobb (hamstring), John Stones (thigh) and Mateo Kovačić (heel) on the treatment table, while Omar Marmoush and Rayan Aït-Nouri remain away on international duty with Egypt and Algeria respectively at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Erling Haaland endured a rare quiet outing in front of goal at Sunderland, meaning Anfield and the Stadium of Light are now the only top-flight venues where he has failed to score. That said, the Norwegian remains a major threat at the Etihad, having struck twice against West Ham in his most recent home appearance and finding the net in three of his last four meetings with Sunday’s visitors.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have their own selection concerns ahead of the trip. Marc Cucurella will be assessed closer to kick-off, but Levi Colwill (knee), Romeo Lavia (thigh), Dario Essugo (thigh) and Jorrel Hato are all expected to miss out. The most significant absence is Moisés Caicedo, who serves a one-match suspension after picking up his fifth booking of the league campaign in the win over Bournemouth.
With Enzo Maresca no longer at the helm, attention turns to whether interim boss McFarlane opts for any tactical adjustments. The London side are expected to deploy Cole Palmer in an advanced midfield role, operating ahead of Enzo Fernández, with Reece James likely anchoring the midfield at the base.