Manchester City vs Chelsea prediction 04.01.2026 | Premier League

Man City travelled to Sunderland in midweek chasing a ninth straight win, fully aware that the Stadium of Light had been unforgiving this season. No visiting side had taken all three points there in the 2025–26 campaign, and that trend continued.

The Citizens looked flat before the break and struggled to generate clear chances. Things improved after halftime, especially once Rodri stepped onto the pitch, but it still finished scoreless. A point, yes, but also a missed opportunity. Now four points behind Arsenal, Pep’s side cannot really afford another slip against the Blues.

There is some comfort in the numbers at home. City have won 11 of their last 12 games at the Etihad, often with little drama. Rodri’s influence was obvious in midweek, and the former Ballon d’Or winner will be pushing for a start.

Nico González is a doubt after picking up a knock, while Savinho’s injury is serious enough to rule him out. Rayan Aït-Nouri and Omar Marmoush remain away at AFCON. Mateo Kovačić is still sidelined with an ankle issue.

Chelsea are, for now at least, stuck in an awkward spell. Three matches without a win does not scream crisis, but it does raise an eyebrow. Especially since this is the second time in a little over a month the Blues have slipped into the same pattern.

Last Tuesday’s home draw with Bournemouth felt like a turning point. Not a dramatic collapse, but enough to force a decision. The club moved on from Enzo Maresca soon after, which tells you how thin the margin had become.

That result also left Chelsea with just one league win in their last seven. Away from Stamford Bridge, the picture is even less convincing. Three straight road games without a win, and few signs of control late in matches.

Moisés Caicedo collected his fifth yellow card of the season against Bournemouth and will miss this one. That probably shifts Reece James into a central role, which brings balance but also risk. Levi Colwill is still out with a cruciate ligament injury. Roméo Lavia remains sidelined as well, dealing with a muscle strain. Depth is being tested, and not gently.