Chelsea vs Man City LIVE: Premier League team news, line-ups and more tonight
Pep Guardiola says Erling Haaland ‘plays with passion’
Manchester City can draw closer to Premier League leaders Arsenal if they defeat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge tonight. The reigning champions are eight points behind the Gunners but have played one game less than Mikel Arteta’s men.
Pep Guardiola’s side had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Everton last time out despite dominating in possession and chances created. Erling Haaland added another goal to his ever-growing tally before Demarai Gray banged home an equaliser in the second half.
It was a similar story for Chelsea who took on Nottingham Forest in their last outing. Raheem Sterling sent the Blues ahead after quarter of an hour, but the London side were wasteful in possession and allowed Forest to counterattack repeatedly before a corner saw Serge Aurier turn the ball into the back of the net . Graham Potter’s side are still looking to build some consistency and with the opportunity to move closer to Arsenal on the cards for City they should expect a difficult encounter this evening.
Follow all the action as Chelsea host Manchester City in the Premier League:
City on the road
Manchester City have only lost just one of their last 25 away Premier League matches with 18 wins and six draws during that run.
That defeat was a 1-0 loss at Liverpool in October.
Michael Jones5 January 2023 18:50
Fortress Stamford Bridge
Chelsea have lost just one of their last 11 Premier League home games with six wins and four draws during that run. The Blues have only failed to scored once in their last 23 league fixtures at Stamford Bridge.
Michael Jones5 January 2023 18:45
Pep Guardiola urges Erling Haaland to ‘play with passion’ at Chelsea despite recent flashes of temper
The Norwegian was booked for a late lunge on Vitalii Mykolenko and fought a running battle with Ben Godfrey after being aggrieved when he was fouled by the Everton centre-back in the opening seconds.
But Guardiola said he would rather see Haaland animated than emotionless and predicted he will face another physical contest against Chelsea on Thursday.
Michael Jones5 January 2023 18:40
Chelsea vs Man City
Chelsea have failed to score in their last three encounters in all competitions against Manchester City. They’ve lost each one of those games.
The teams will also meet again in the FA Cup third round at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Michael Jones5 January 2023 18:35
Chelsea vs Man City
Manchester City are aiming to win four consecutive matches against Chelsea for the first time. They have won seven of the 10 most recent Premier League meetings, losing the other three.
Michael Jones5 January 2023 18:30
Potter backs Sterling to deliver
Chelsea manager Graham Potter has backed Raheem Sterling to recover his form despite a difficult start to his time in west London following his move from Manchester City.
“It’s been a challenge for him but it’s been a challenging period for everybody,” Potter said of Sterling, who has scored six goals in 21 games in all competitions.
“There’s been a lot of change and a lot has happened, so in that regard, it’s not easy to completely settle or hit the ground running.
“There is more to come from Raheem I’m sure but he gives his best every day and we need to help him get to the level we know he can reach.”
Michael Jones5 January 2023 18:25
Benoit Badiashile: Chelsea confirm signing of defender on seven-and-a-half-year contract
The 22-year-old centre-back has signed a seven-and-a-half year contract with Chelsea and arrives on a reported €38m fee.
Chelsea had been keen to sign a left-sided centre-back this window, having also been linked with RB Leipzig and Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol.
Michael Jones5 January 2023 18:20
Chelsea vs Man City prediction
While both teams dropped points by drawing in their respective outings last weekend, Man City seem the likelier to bounce back here and capitalise on Arsenal’s stalemate with Newcastle to narrow the gap at the top.
Michael Jones5 January 2023 18:15
Chelsea vs Man City predicted line-ups
Chelsea XI: Kepa, Azpilicueta, Silva, Koulibaly, Cucurella, Kovacic, Zakaria, Sterling, Mount, Pulisic, Aubameyang.
Man City XI: Ederson, Walker, Stones, Akanji, Cancelo, Gundogan, Rodri, De Bruyne, Silva, Haaland, Foden.
Michael Jones5 January 2023 18:10
What is the team news?
Reece James’ most recent injury sees him join long-term absentees N’Golo Kante and Armando Broja on the sidelines, but midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek is back in training for Chelsea.
However, the game may come too soon for recovering left back Ben Chilwell.
Meanwhile, Man City are set to be without centre backs Aymeric Laporte and Ruben Dias, both of whom are dealing with minor injuries.
Michael Jones5 January 2023 18:05
