Man City vs Chelsea: Preview, predictions and lineups | OneFootball

A crucial fixture in the top-four race arrives at the Etihad on Saturday evening as Manchester City host Chelsea.

After starting the season so strongly, City looked on course to at least compete for a fifth-straight Premier League title. However, a remarkable collapse to conclude 2024 has seen their objectives shift drastically for the season.

While their domestic form has picked up in the new year, Pep Guardiola's side are fifth in the table and a couple of points off their upcoming opponents in fourth. City head into Saturday's bout having collapsed in Paris on Wednesday night, leaving their Champions League status in doubt.

Chelsea enjoyed the week off after downing Wolves 3-1 on Monday night - their first league win since Christmas. The Blues were deemed a title contender not so long ago, but their indifferent run over the past month has brought them back down to earth. They're fighting for a top-four spot with Enzo Maresca aiming to improve on Mauricio Pochettino's sole season at the club.

City coasted to a 2-0 victory the last time these two sides faced off on the opening weekend of the season.

Here is 90min's guide to Man City vs Chelsea in the Premier League.

Man City vs Chelsea H2H record (last five games)

Current form (all competitions)

How to watch Man City vs Chelsea on TV - UK and US

Man City team news

Man City have been swift to reinforce this winter, and all three of their new arrivals are in contention for debuts this weekend. Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis represent the future of the Cityzens, but Guardiola needs them now, too.

There's been persistent chopping and changing in defence due to injuries this season, and Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake have re-emerged with fitness concerns. While Dias was forced off at half-time against PSG on Wednesday, Ake didn't feature at all. Both are doubtful fo Saturday's game, but John Stones could return to the starting lineup.

Lynchpin Rodri remains out of action alongside Oscar Bobb and Jeremy Doku. Kyle Walker is Milan-bound.

Man City predicted lineup vs Chelsea

Man City predicted lineup vs Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Ortega; Lewis, Akanji, Stones, Gvardiol; Gundogan, Bernardo; Foden, De Bruyne, Savinho; Haaland.

Chelsea team news

Romeo Lavia is back on the sidelines / Visionhaus/GettyImages

Romeo Lavia is back on the sidelines and won't be in action against his former club on Saturday evening.

Lavia has joined Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile in the treatment room, with Mykhailo Mudryk suspended.

Levi Colwill and Enzo Fernandez were both absent on Monday night and will be assessed ahead of kick-off. Reece James is pushing for back-to-back Premier League starts having recently returned from injury.

Chelsea predicted lineup vs Man City (4-3-3): Sanchez; James, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson.

Man City vs Chelsea score prediction

Man City's performance in Paris depicted a team that remains vulnerable in the absence of their midfield superstar. The manner of their collapse doubtlessly would've concerned Guardiola, but such capitulations haven't exactly been uncommon this season.

Maresca must believe he can get one over his former boss in Manchester this weekend, although Chelsea aren't exactly heading into this game in a "good moment" despite winning on Monday night.

It'll take a lot for City to bounce back from their midweek disappointment, but Chelsea aren't in the best place to take advantage of any Cityzen frailties. Both teams should have joy in transition, and the hosts may find something from the bench to pull this one out.