Manchester City have a crucial opportunity to tighten the Premier League title race this evening as they host a Chelsea side in turmoil at the Etihad Stadium.
Title Race Pressure at the Etihad
The pressure is on for Pep Guardiola's team after Arsenal's dramatic 3-2 victory at Bournemouth on Saturday. That result left Manchester City seven points behind the Gunners in the championship chase. A win today is vital to keep the pressure on Mikel Arteta's league leaders.
Chelsea's Unprecedented Managerial Situation
Their opponents, Chelsea, arrive in a state of disarray following the sudden departure of manager Enzo Maresca on New Year's Day. With no permanent replacement in place, Under-21 boss Calum McFarlane will take charge of the senior side for the first time in his career. This sets up a stark contrast in the dugout, pitting McFarlane's inexperience against the tactical mastery of Pep Guardiola.
The kick-off is set for an unusual time of 5.30pm UK time on Sunday, January 4, 2026, deviating from the standard weekend slots. The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event, with streaming available via Sky Go and NOW TV.
What to Expect from a Chaotic Chelsea
No one is quite sure what to expect from Chelsea. The shock of losing their manager mid-season, combined with the appointment of a caretaker with no top-level experience, makes them a wildly unpredictable opponent. In a season full of surprises, this fixture could produce another twist, despite City being strong favourites on paper.
Follow all the pre-match build-up, confirmed team news, live goal updates, and minute-by-minute commentary right here.
