Chelsea vs Manchester City: 4 things to look out for

Chelsea travel to the Etihad Stadium this weekend to face defending champions Manchester City in what promises to be an intriguing Premier League clash. The Blues will be looking to build on their recent league victory, but the task ahead is a formidable one, as City, despite their vulnerabilities this season, remain a dangerous opponent.

Chelsea suffered a 2-0 defeat on the opening day of the season in the reverse fixture, and this game provides a chance for redemption. With both teams coming into the match on the back of league wins but with contrasting fortunes in Europe, here are four key factors to watch:

1. Chelsea’s Midfield Advantage

Manchester City are adjusting to the reality of an aging squad, with some of their key midfield players no longer possessing the relentless athleticism they were once known for. While the return of Kevin De Bruyne and the resurgence of Phil Foden have offered moments of brilliance, the likes of De Bruyne, Ilkay Gündogan, Mateo Kovačić, and Bernardo Silva lack the ability to press and recover at the same intensity as years past.

City’s struggles in transition were laid bare in their midweek 4-2 Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, where they managed just 37% possession and were repeatedly bypassed in midfield. Chelsea’s dynamic midfield duo of Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández will be pivotal, as their energy and mobility could expose City’s lack of physicality. With fullbacks inverting into midfield, Enzo Maresca’s system could overload Guardiola’s midfield and create opportunities to disrupt City’s rhythm.

2. City’s Defensive Vulnerabilities

While Manchester City’s attack remains potent, their defense has been a cause for concern this season. The defending champions have failed to win on nine occasions in all competitions after taking the lead (D5, L4) – more than any other Premier League side this campaign. High-profile collapses, including a 3-3 draw with Feyenoord, a 4-2 defeat to PSG, and a 2-2 draw with Brentford, highlight their defensive fragility.

Transitions have been City’s Achilles' heel, with lapses in concentration and a lack of cohesion in defense frequently costing them. Makeshift solutions, such as deploying Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis in unfamiliar fullback roles, have added to their problems. Chelsea’s ability to exploit these vulnerabilities will be critical, particularly if they can capitalize on defensive errors and maintain pressure throughout the match.

3. The Winger Dilemma for Chelsea

One of the key selection questions for Enzo Maresca will be which wingers to start against Manchester City. Jadon Sancho, Noni Madueke, and Pedro Neto have all rotated on the flanks this season, with none able to secure a consistent starting role.

Guardiola’s side is particularly susceptible to counterattacks, so Chelsea’s wingers will play a crucial role in exploiting spaces left by City’s high defensive line. With all three options posting similar statistics this season, Maresca’s choice on the wings could shape how Chelsea approach the game tactically.

4. Records and Streaks

• City’s Dominance Over Chelsea: Manchester City are unbeaten in their last seven Premier League meetings with Chelsea (W5, D2). Chelsea’s last win in this fixture came in May 2021, a 2-1 victory at the Etihad.
• Chelsea’s Away Woes: The Blues have managed just one clean sheet in their last 16 Premier League visits to the Etihad, a 1-0 win in February 2014. They have also failed to score in seven of those encounters.
• Chelsea Above City: This is the latest point in a season Chelsea are facing City while sitting above them in the table since 2016-17. That season, Chelsea won 2-1 at Stamford Bridge on their way to winning the title under Antonio Conte.
• Post-European Struggles for City: Manchester City have lost their last three Premier League matches immediately following midweek European games. This matches the total number of such defeats in their previous 34 attempts (W21, D10). The last time City lost four post-European fixtures in a single season was in 2010-11.

This clash is shaping up to be a fascinating encounter between two sides with contrasting strengths and weaknesses. Can Chelsea take advantage of City’s struggles in midfield and defense, or will the defending champions find a way to reassert their dominance? All eyes will be on the Etihad this weekend.