Chelsea vs Manchester City preview: Team news, channel, line-ups
Preview, team news, head-to-head, probable line ups, tactical analysis and where to watch Chelsea vs Manchester City in Sunday’s Premier League clash.
Manchester City visit Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at 16:30 local time / 17:30 CET / 12:30 ET / 09:30 PT. Despite being a top-six clash, both teams have rather different objectives at this stage in the season.
Manchester City know they need to win to keep the pressure on Arsenal and their faint title hopes alive. Chelsea, meanwhile, are in danger of slipping out of the hotly-contested European places.
With various cup commitments, City only played two Premier League games in March and they drew them both, against West Ham and Nottingham Forest. Chelsea’s form is more concerning, however, with three losses in their last five league games.
Team news & injury updates
Chelsea
The home side have a long list of absentees for the visit of Pep Guardiola’s side, including the suspended Enzo Fernandez and Mykhaylo Mudryk. The injury list includes Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, Filip Jorgensen, Reece James, Levi Colwill and Trevoh Chalobah.
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola’s defensive injury woes remain, with the weekend’s game expected to come too early for Ruben Dias, although there is a chance that the Portuguese international could be available. Meanwhile, John Stones and Josko Gvadiol remain out.
Head‑to‑Head (H2H) record
In the modern era, Manchester City have the better record in this fixture, with 26 wins in the last 45 meetings between the two. Chelsea haven’t actually beaten City at Stamford Bridge since an FA Cup game in 2021.
Last 5 Meetings
- 04/01/26: Manchester City 1-1 Chelsea (Premier League)
- 25/01/25: Manchester City 3-1 Chelsea (Premier League)
- 18/08/24: Chelsea 0-2 Manchester City (Premier League)
- 20/04/24 Manchester City 1-0 Chelsea (FA Cup)
- 17/02/24 Manchester City 1-1 Chelsea (Premier League)
Chelsea vs Manchester City probable line‑ups
| Position | Chelsea Predicted XI | Manchester City Predicted XI |
| Goalkeeper | Sanchez | Donnarumma |
| Defence | Gusto, Hato, Adarabioyo, Cucurella | Nunes, Kusanov, Guehi, O’Reilly |
| Midfield | Santos, Caicedo | Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Cherki |
| Attack | Palmer, Neto, Estevao, Pedro | Semenyo, Haaland, Doku |
Tactical analysis: How the game will be won
Expect goals in this battle of the ball-dominant teams
This game sees two of the most creative and attacking sides in the Premier League face off in an encounter that promises goals.
These are also the two sides in the league who most like to have the ball and dictate play, which could make for a fascinating battle for control in the middle of the park.
Where to watch Chelsea vs Manchester City
The Premier League clash between Chelsea and Manchester City at Stamford bridge kicks off on Sunday April 12, 2026, at 16:30 local time / 17:30 CET / 12:30 ET / 09:30 PT.
In the United States, coverage will be available on USA Network, while in the United Kingdom, Sky Sports will be showing the action.
Market insights & probability
According to current market data, this will be a tight game but Manchester City are the clear favourites, with a 41.2% probability. Chelsea’s odds are 33.1% while a draw is currently set at 25.7%, according to Opta.
