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Manchester City and Chelsea lock horns at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, January 25, 2025, in a Premier League clash that could have significant implications for the top-four race. With both teams aiming to secure Champions League qualification, this encounter promises to be a thrilling battle between two of England’s footballing giants. Kickoff is set for 17:30 GMT.

Interesting Fact:
Manchester City are unbeaten in their last seven Premier League meetings against Chelsea, winning five and drawing two since their last defeat in May 2021.

Team Analysis

Manchester City

Manchester City’s season has been a mixed bag. After a strong start, their title hopes have faded, and they now sit fifth in the table, two points behind Chelsea. Pep Guardiola’s side suffered a disappointing 4-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League midweek, a result that highlighted their defensive frailties. However, they remain a formidable force at home, having lost just twice in the league at the Etihad this season.

Current Form:

• Last 5 matches: 3 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss.
• Last match: 6-0 win over Ipswich Town in the Premier League.

Key Players:

• Erling Haaland: The Norwegian striker has been in sensational form, netting 17 league goals this season, including five opening goals.
• Kevin De Bruyne: The Belgian maestro remains City’s creative hub, with five goals and eight assists in the league.

Injuries/Suspensions:

• Ruben Dias (out, adductor injury).
• Nathan Aké (out, unspecified).
• Rodri (out, ACL).
• Kyle Walker (departed for AC Milan).

Home Form:
Manchester City have been strong at home, winning six of their 10 Premier League matches at the Etihad this season.

Chelsea

Chelsea have shown signs of improvement under Enzo Maresca, climbing to fourth in the table. Their recent 3-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers ended a five-match winless streak, and they will be looking to build on that momentum. However, their record against Manchester City is poor, having failed to win any of their last 10 meetings across all competitions.

Current Form:

• Last 5 matches: 2 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss.
• Last match: 3-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League.

Key Players:

• Cole Palmer: The former City man has been Chelsea’s standout performer, scoring 14 goals and providing six assists this season.
• Nicolas Jackson: The striker has been a consistent threat, contributing 10 goals and four assists.

Injuries/Suspensions:

• Romeo Lavia (out, muscle injury).
• Wesley Fofana (out, hamstring).
• Mykhaylo Mudryk (suspended).
• Levi Colwill and Enzo Fernandez (both doubtful).

Away Form:
Chelsea have been solid on the road, picking up 21 points from 11 away matches. However, they are winless in their last three away games.

Head-to-Head and Past Encounters

Manchester City have dominated this fixture in recent years, going unbeaten in their last seven Premier League meetings with Chelsea. The last encounter in August 2024 saw City secure a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge, with Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic on the scoresheet.

Key Stats:

• Chelsea have failed to score in seven of their last 16 away league games against City.
• The last five meetings have produced an average of 2.8 goals per game.

Prediction

Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Manchester City 2-1 Chelsea

Manchester City’s home advantage and superior head-to-head record make them slight favorites. However, Chelsea’s recent resurgence and the presence of key players like Cole Palmer could make this a closely contested match. Expect City to edge it in a high-quality encounter.

Betting Tips

• Both Teams to Score: Yes
  Both teams have shown attacking quality in recent matches.
• Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over
  This fixture has a history of producing goals.
• Anytime Goalscorer: Erling Haaland
  The Norwegian striker has a strong record against Chelsea.

Hot Stat

Manchester City have scored in each of their last 15 Premier League home games, highlighting their attacking consistency.

Possible Lineups

Manchester City (4-2-3-1):
Ortega; Lewis, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Bernardo; Foden, De Bruyne, Savinho; Haaland.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1):
Sanchez; Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Dewsbury-Hall, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson.

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