Manchester City sit four points behind Arsenal, so they must not slip in front of managerless Chelsea if they want to build pressure on the Gunners.
City couldn't win in Sunderland last time out, despite missing many chances in the 0-0 draw. City against Chelsea should be an enchanting game of football, so I'll be looking for goals and a solid home win in this much-anticipated Premier League clash.
Here are my Man City vs. Chelsea predictions and betting picks for Sunday, January 4.
Premier League predictions for Man City vs Chelsea
My Man City vs Chelsea best bet: Manchester City to lead at halftime (+100 at Sports Interaction)
Manchester City are unbeaten in their last eight Premier League games against Chelsea (eight wins, two draws).
It's their joint-longest run without defeat against the Blues in their league history, along with the one between 1936 and 1949.
Having won four consecutive away league games against Man City between 2005 and 2008, Chelsea have now won just three of their last 16 visits to the Etihad, losing 11.
Manchester City have won their last eight Premier League home games, netting 3+ goals in seven of those, including the last five in a row.
I am counting on Man City's desire to show strength early in the game, so I'll be taking the hosts to lead at half-time.
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Man City vs Chelsea same-game parlay (SGP)
Man City to lead at halftime
Erling Haaland anytime goal
Rayan Cherki 1+ shots on target
Total corners Over 9.5
Erling Haaland has scored 11 goals in eight Premier League home games for Man City this season. He scored twice in five different games. The last player to score 2+ goals in more different home games in a season was Haaland himself in 2022-23 (six).
Despite leaving himself out of the scoresheet in two consecutive matches, he will come back in full force against Chelsea.
Rayan Cherki has been involved in eight goals in his last ten Premier League appearances for Man City (one goal, seven assists), both scoring and assisting in a game for the first time against Nottingham Forest a week ago. I am counting on his form.
City averages 5.58 corners per game, with Chelsea doing even better on 5.84. To get my parlay return to +750, I'm finishing up with corners.
Man City vs Chelsea odds
Man City vs Chelsea live odds
Man City vs Chelsea opening odds
- Moneyline: Man City -164 | Chelsea +360
- Draw: +360
- Over/Under: Over 2.5 (-204) | Under 2.5 (+145)
How to watch Man City vs Chelsea
| Location | Etihad Stadium, Manchester, UK |
| Date | Sunday, January 4, 2026 |
| Time | 12:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | Peacock |
| Weather | 37F, calm and clear. |
 Recent EPL form |
D-W-W-W-W |
 Recent EPL form |
D-L-P-W-D |
Man City vs Chelsea key injuries
Man City: John Stones CB (Questionable), Rayan Aït-Nouri LB (Out), Mateo Kovacic CM (Out), Oscar Bobb RW (Questionable), Omar Marmoush FW (Out).
Chelsea: Levi Colwill CB (Out), Benoit Badiashile CB (Out), Marc Cucurella LB (Questionable), Romeo Lavia CM (Out), Moises Caicedo CM (Out).
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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