This weekend’s Premier League clash between Manchester City and Chelsea is set to be a captivating encounter with both teams aiming to solidify their position in the upper echelons of the table. Manchester City, fresh off their dominant performances under Pep Guardiola, are once again in the hunt for the title, boasting an array of world-class talent like Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne. Their attacking prowess and defensive solidity make them a formidable force in English football.
On the other side, Chelsea, under the guidance of their new management, will be looking to find consistency after a season of rebuilding. With a blend of exciting young players and experienced internationals, they will hope to challenge City’s dominance and make a statement in one of the toughest away fixtures of the season.
The match is bound to be an intense tactical battle, with both sides eager to secure crucial points and maintain their momentum in the league. Fans can expect a high-energy game filled with drama, skill, and key matchups across the pitch.
Match background
Rather than a match which will have ramifications for the title, this clash is more about qualifying for the top four or five and qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League. That’s a major step down as far as reigning champions Manchester City are concerned, but a welcome improvement for Chelsea, who have grown significantly under the leadership of Enzo Maresca.
What the teams are saying
Manchester City winger Savinho on his growing understanding with Erling Haaland:
“It’s very easy to play with him. When he’s in the area I try to find him and I know his movements. We talk a lot, I don’t speak English but he understands me and I understand him. I usually pass the ball to him because I know he won’t waste it and he’ll score. We talk a lot and we understand each other. Whenever he’s in the area I’m always looking for him to get the ball to him.”
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca on wanting his team to be more ruthless in attack:
“In football you need to be clinical, otherwise the game is always open. I always said that the important thing is to create chances, because if you create chances it means that you are doing the right things. Sometimes you create and you score. Sometimes you create one chance and you score one. And sometimes you need to create 10 to score two.”
Players to watch
Savinho, Manchester City
While Manchester City’s struggles through recent weeks have brought gloom over the Etihad Stadium, one of the silver linings has been the emergence of Brazilian winger Savinho as a true game-breaker. After finally scoring his first goal for the club just under a month ago, his confidence and form have sky-rocketed.
Cole Palmer, Chelsea
The former Manchester City player has established himself as Chelsea’s top man in the past 18 months, racking up goals, assists and highlight-reel passes that have made him the darling of Blues fans. And he’ll be hungry to stick it to City again.
Head-to-head
In head-to-head stats, City and Chelsea have met in 179 matches across all competitions dating back as far as 1907. The Blues have claimed 71 wins compared to 67 for the Citizens, while 41 games have been drawn.
The teams last met in August 2024, with Man City claiming a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge thanks to goals from Erling Haaland and former Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic. Chelsea’s last win over the Citizens was the 2021 UEFA Champions League final – they are winless in 10 matches in the rivalry since.
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Broadcast details
Saturday January 25, 2025
19:30: Manchester City v Chelsea – Live on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2 or GOtv SuperSport Premier League.
