{"id":1421964,"date":"2026-01-02T11:18:36","date_gmt":"2026-01-02T11:18:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?post_type=news&#038;p=1421964"},"modified":"2026-01-02T11:18:38","modified_gmt":"2026-01-02T11:18:38","slug":"match-preview-man-city-vs-chelsea-04-01-2026-premier-league","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/match-preview-man-city-vs-chelsea-04-01-2026-premier-league\/","title":{"rendered":"Manchester City vs Chelsea: predictions, stats, tips, betting offers &#038; odds"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Manchester City welcome Chelsea to the Etihad Stadium this Sunday, 4 January, in a Premier League clash that features two sides with plenty to prove. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kick-off is set for 5:30 PM. City have dominated this head-to-head in recent years and enter the contest with the league\u2019s most potent attack, while Chelsea look to close the gap and break their recent struggles against the champions. They will have to do so without Enzo Maresca, however, with the club parting ways with their manager on New Years Day. With both teams boasting high possession stats and technical quality, this fixture promises tactical intrigue and attacking quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best Bets &amp; Predictions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Based on City\u2019s attacking dominance, head-to-head record, and the clinical form of Erling Haaland, here are our top betting recommendations for Saturday\u2019s match. We\u2019re particularly confident in a home win, with City\u2019s historical edge and goal threat offering a strong statistical platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\">\n<table class=\"has-fixed-layout\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Our Prediction<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Odds &amp; Bookmaker<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Confidence<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Why We&#8217;re Backing It<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Manchester City to Win<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><a href=\"\/en\/go\/betfair?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\">8\/13 @ Betfair<\/a><br>(61.9%)<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Manchester City are overwhelming favourites due to their formidable home record and superior attacking output. As of 02\/01\/2026, City&#8217;s home record stands at eight wins and one loss . They have scored 43 goals this season , averaging 2.26 goals per game, significantly higher than Chelsea&#8217;s 1.68 goals per game . Furthermore, City are unbeaten in their last twelve meetings against Chelsea . This combination of home dominance, goal-scoring superiority, and historical advantage strongly predicts a City victory.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Correct Score 2-1<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><a href=\"\/en\/go\/bet365?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\">8\/1 @ Bet365<\/a><br>(11.1%)<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\u2b50\u2b50<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">A 2-1 City victory is statistically plausible. City&#8217;s home scoring averages 2.77 goals per match , supporting a two-goal tally. While their overall defence is strong, conceding 0.89 goals per game , Chelsea&#8217;s attack averages 1.68 goals per game , making a single away goal likely. Given City&#8217;s dominant home record of eight wins in nine  and their superior attacking metrics, a narrow 2-1 win reflects both their offensive power and the probability of Chelsea breaching their defence once.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><small>Odds correct at the time of writing. 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This code is for marketing and tracking purposes only. #Ad.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t    <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-man-city-vs-chelsea-match-odds\">Man City vs Chelsea match odds<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"vcsw-sports-widgets shortcode vcsw-market-fixtures\" id=\"markets-1\"><script type=\"application\/json\">{\"sports_type\":\"football\",\"event\":{\"_id\":\"68589bd3566e672f1baa62e9\",\"sports_type\":\"football\",\"competition_season\":{\"_id\":\"68366ed42febbf834daccd02\",\"sports_type\":\"football\",\"competition\":\"Premier League\",\"country\":\"England\",\"season\":\"2025\\\/2026\",\"start_date\":\"2025-08-15T00:00:00+00:00\",\"end_date\":\"2026-05-24T00:00:00+00:00\",\"tags\":[\"routine_fixture\"],\"stages\":[{\"stage_id\":\"698b2bf681ff06d75c1e8304\",\"stage_name\":\"Regular Season\",\"standings_available\":false},{\"stage_id\":\"698b2bf681ff06d75c1e8303\",\"stage_name\":\"Regular Season\",\"standings_available\":false},{\"stage_id\":\"698b2bf681ff06d75c1e8302\",\"stage_name\":\"Regular Season\",\"standings_available\":false},{\"stage_id\":\"698b2bf681ff06d75c1e8301\",\"stage_name\":\"Regular Season\",\"standings_available\":true},{\"stage_id\":\"698b2bf681ff06d75c1e8300\",\"stage_name\":\"Regular Season\",\"standings_available\":true},{\"stage_id\":\"698b2bf681ff06d75c1e82ff\",\"stage_name\":\"Regular Season\",\"standings_available\":true},{\"stage_id\":\"698b2bf681ff06d75c1e82fe\",\"stage_name\":\"Regular Season\",\"standings_available\":true},{\"stage_id\":\"698b2bf681ff06d75c1e82fd\",\"stage_name\":\"Regular Season\",\"standings_available\":true},{\"stage_id\":\"698b2ac481ff06d75c1e8253\",\"stage_name\":\"Regular Season\",\"standings_available\":true},{\"stage_id\":\"698b2bf681ff06d75c1e8305\",\"stage_name\":\"Regular Season\",\"standings_available\":false},{\"stage_id\":\"6a14ff47dd2a4896f26ed65a\",\"stage_name\":\"Regular Season\",\"standings_available\":true}]},\"datetime\":\"2026-01-04T17:30:00+00:00\",\"name\":\"Manchester City vs Chelsea\",\"participants\":[{\"participant_id\":\"665db664e93e306d7f45fd41\",\"name\":\"Manchester City\",\"team_badge\":\"https:\\\/\\\/sc-prod.onetwenty.media\\\/storage\\\/team-logos\\\/manchester-city-new.png\",\"side\":\"home\",\"formation\":null,\"result\":{\"half_time\":1,\"full_time\":1,\"extra_time\":0,\"penalties\":0,\"total\":1}},{\"participant_id\":\"665db668e93e306d7f460222\",\"name\":\"Chelsea\",\"team_badge\":\"https:\\\/\\\/sc-prod.onetwenty.media\\\/storage\\\/team-logos\\\/chelsea-fc.png\",\"side\":\"away\",\"formation\":null,\"result\":{\"half_time\":0,\"full_time\":1,\"extra_time\":0,\"penalties\":0,\"total\":1}}],\"selections\":[],\"stage\":\"Regular Season\",\"stage_id\":\"698b2ac481ff06d75c1e8253\",\"group_name\":null,\"group_id\":null,\"status\":\"finished\",\"status_detailed\":\"played\",\"match_time\":{\"running_match_min\":100,\"clamped_match_min\":null,\"human_match_time\":\"FT\",\"period\":\"full_time\",\"period_id\":14,\"stoppage_minutes\":null,\"is_halftime\":false,\"is_extratime\":false,\"is_extratime_halftime\":false,\"is_penalties\":false,\"is_finished\":true},\"tags\":[\"routine_fixture\"],\"venue\":\"Etihad Stadium\"},\"data_markets\":[{\"_id\":\"Match Result\",\"name\":\"Match Result\"},{\"_id\":\"Anytime Goalscorer\",\"name\":\"Anytime Goalscorer\"},{\"_id\":\"Both Teams To Score\",\"name\":\"Both Teams To Score\"},{\"_id\":\"Over\\\/Under\",\"name\":\"Over\\\/Under\"},{\"_id\":\"Player To Be Carded\",\"name\":\"Player To Be Carded\"}],\"active_market\":\"Match Result\",\"show_title\":\"false\",\"limit_markets\":\"\",\"widget_type\":\"markets\"}<\/script><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-both-teams-head-into-man-city-vs-chelsea\">How both teams head into Man City vs Chelsea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Manchester City&#8217;s 2025\/26 Premier League season has been a strong title defence, though they currently sit <strong>second<\/strong> in the table with <strong>41 points<\/strong> from <strong>19 matches<\/strong> . Their record stands at <strong>12 wins, five draws, and two losses<\/strong>, yielding <strong>2.16 points per game<\/strong> . The team boasts the league&#8217;s most potent attack, scoring <strong>43 goals<\/strong> at an average of <strong>2.26 per match<\/strong> . <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Defensively, they remain solid, conceding only <strong>17 goals<\/strong> (0.89 per game) . <strong>Erling Haaland<\/strong> is the key player, leading the league&#8217;s scoring charts with <strong>19 goals<\/strong> . Recent form has been mixed, culminating in a frustrating <strong>0-0 draw away to Sunderland<\/strong> (01\/01\/26), which saw them drop points and fall further behind the leaders. Despite this, their overall metrics confirm they remain firm title contenders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chelsea&#8217;s 2025\/26 Premier League season has been a campaign of mixed fortunes, leaving them in <strong>5th position<\/strong> after <strong>19 matches<\/strong> played . Their record stands at <strong>eight wins, six draws, and five losses<\/strong>, accumulating <strong>30 points<\/strong> at <strong>1.58 points per game<\/strong> . The Blues have shown attacking promise, scoring <strong>32 goals<\/strong> (1.68 per match) , but their defence has been less secure, conceding <strong>21 goals<\/strong> (1.11 per match) . <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Jo\u00e3o Pedro<\/strong> is the leading scorer with <strong>six Premier League goals<\/strong> . Recent form has been inconsistent, with their last three results being a <strong>2-2 draw away to Bournemouth<\/strong> (30\/12\/25), a 2-0 home win, and a 1-1 draw. While they remain in the hunt for a European spot, their high number of draws and defensive lapses against mid-table teams suggest a need for greater consistency in the second half of the season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/SquawkaBet\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"114\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/28163831\/Group-14764-1-1024x114.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1415389\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/28163831\/Group-14764-1-1024x114.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/28163831\/Group-14764-1-300x33.jpg 300w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/28163831\/Group-14764-1-768x86.jpg 768w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/28163831\/Group-14764-1-1536x171.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/28163831\/Group-14764-1-400x45.jpg 400w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/28163831\/Group-14764-1-600x67.jpg 600w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/28163831\/Group-14764-1-538x60.jpg 538w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/28163831\/Group-14764-1-150x17.jpg 150w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/28163831\/Group-14764-1-40x4.jpg 40w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/28163831\/Group-14764-1.jpg 1792w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-man-city-team-news\">Man City team news<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Manchester City face Chelsea with several key players unavailable. They are without Omar Marmoush (Egypt) and Rayan A\u00eft-Nouri (Algeria) due to AFCON 2026 participation . The injury list includes John Stones (thigh), Mateo Kovacic (ankle), and Oscar Bobb (hamstring), though J\u00e9r\u00e9my Doku (leg) is a doubt but may return . There are no suspensions. The absences, particularly in midfield and defence, will test Pep Guardiola&#8217;s squad depth against their London rivals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-chelsea-team-news\">Chelsea team news<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chelsea&#8217;s squad is largely intact for the City clash, with no major AFCON 2026 absentees confirmed to be missing this fixture . The injury situation is improving, with Marc Cucurella (hamstring) potentially available, though Rom\u00e9o Lavia (thigh) remains a doubt . Crucially, Enzo Fern\u00e1ndez and Levi Colwill are expected to be fit . There are no suspensions. This relative stability, compared to City&#8217;s injury list, offers a significant boost to interim manager Calum McFarlane&#8217;s selection options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Season Form &amp; Standings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 2025\/26 season to date has seen Manchester City emerge as the division\u2019s most prolific side, while Chelsea have improved but remain inconsistent. Here\u2019s how the top five stack up:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\">\n<table class=\"has-fixed-layout\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Team<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Pos<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">P<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">W<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">D<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">L<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">GF<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">GA<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">GD<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Pts<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Manchester City<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">2<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">19<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">13<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">2<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">4<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">43<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">17<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">+26<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">41<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Chelsea<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">5<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">19<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">8<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">6<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">5<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">32<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">21<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">+11<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">30<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-head-to-head-last-5-meetings\">Head-to-Head: Last 5 Meetings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Manchester City have enjoyed the upper hand in this rivalry, winning 14 of the last 24 meetings and scoring 38 goals to Chelsea\u2019s 21. Recent encounters have produced both drama and goals, including a 4-4 thriller last season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\">\n<table class=\"has-fixed-layout\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"\" data-align=\"center\">Date<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Score<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Competition<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">25\/01\/25<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Manchester City 3-1 Chelsea<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Premier League<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">18\/08\/24<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Chelsea 0-2 Manchester City<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Premier League<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">20\/04\/24<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Manchester City 1-0 Chelsea<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Premier League<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">17\/02\/24<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Manchester City 1-1 Chelsea<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Premier League<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">12\/11\/23<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Chelsea 4-4 Manchester City<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Premier League<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion: Will City Extend Their Dominance?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Manchester City\u2019s combination of attacking firepower, home advantage, and a favourable head-to-head record makes them deserved favourites. Chelsea\u2019s pace on the break could trouble City\u2019s backline, but with Haaland in ruthless form and City\u2019s midfield control, the hosts should have too much for their rivals. For those looking for a confident selection, <a href=\"\/en\/go\/betfair?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\">Manchester City to win at 8\/13 with Betfair<\/a> (61.9%) stands out as the best blend of value and probability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><small>Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.<\/small><\/p>\n\n\n<h3><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/\"><strong>Latest football news<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Football betting tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Best betting sites<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/best-free-bet-offers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Best free bet offers<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/accumulator\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Football accumulator tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\n\n\n    <div class=\"sq-top-stories\">\n        <h2 class=\"sq-heading-line\">Squawka Suggests<\/h2>\n        <div 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Chelsea on Sunday 4 January.","footnotes":""},"tags":[],"news-category":[],"class_list":["post-1421964","news","type-news","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":{"external_featured_image_url":"","hide_featured_image_pattern":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.0 (Yoast SEO v28.0) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Manchester City vs Chelsea: predictions, stats, tips, betting offers &amp; odds<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Get the Squawka Bet predictions, stats and betting tips ahead of the Premier League match between Man City and Chelsea on Sunday 4 January.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/match-preview-man-city-vs-chelsea-04-01-2026-premier-league\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" 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