Chelsea go into Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Manchester City sitting sixth in the table with 48 points from 30 games, 13 wins, nine draws and eight defeats. The reverse fixture at the Etihad in January 2026 ended in a hard-fought 1-1 draw, so both sides are well aware of what the other brings to the table this season.
Manchester City currently occupy second place and enter this encounter as slight favourites; Chelsea face a tough game trying to stop a side pushing hard for the title. Liam Rosenior‘s young squad is missing several key players through injury and suspension, but they still have enough quality to make things difficult for Pep Guardiola‘s men at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s predicted lineup against Manchester City
Robert Sánchez starts in goal with Filip Jörgensen ruled out through injury, and the Spaniard will need to be at his best against a City side that create chances at will. Malo Gusto takes his place at right back to provide width and energy down the flank, while Marc Cucurella starts on the left, offering the defensive discipline and pressing needed against a team as fluid as City.
At centre back, Chelsea’s options are looking thin. With both Levi Colwill and Trevoh Chalobah sidelined, Wesley Fofana partners with Dutch teenager Jorrel Hato. It is a massive test for the pair, especially given their own recent fitness concerns. Hato, still only 19, has another chance to show why Chelsea fought for his signature, but the duo will have their hands full against Erling Haaland, who leads the Golden Boot race with 22 goals.
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The double pivot of Roméo Lavia and Moisés Caicedo anchors the midfield, a combination that offers plenty of defensive cover. Caicedo will be tasked with breaking up City’s rhythm and sparking counter-attacks with his physical presence and passing range. Meanwhile, Lavia will look to screen the back four and keep the ball moving, giving Chelsea a solid base to play from.
Further forward, Dário Essugo steps into the number ten role with Enzo Fernández still suspended. This represents the Portuguese midfielder’s biggest Premier League test so far. Cole Palmer will likely drift in from the right to find pockets of space and create openings, while Pedro Neto uses his pace to attack the space behind City’s backline from the left.
With Mykhaylo Mudryk suspended, Neto is expected to see out the full ninety minutes, and his direct in-behind runs remain Chelsea’s main threat on the break. João Pedro leads the line, tasked with holding the ball up and finishing off the chances created by the wide men.
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Chelsea’s Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Robert Sánchez – Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana, Jorrel Hato, Marc Cucurella – Roméo Lavia, Moisés Caicedo – Cole Palmer, Dário Essugo, Pedro Neto – João Pedro
