Manchester City have roared back to life in the Premier League in the last few weeks but their revival faces an acid test when Chelsea's star-studded side come to the Etihad.
The season was threatening to unravel for Pep Guardiola's side during a horror run that saw them win just once in 13 games in all competitions. But they've since gone five games unbeaten in the Premier League, shooting them back into contention for a top-four finish.
The champions crushed Ipswich Town 6-0 last weekend but remain rank outsiders to retain their crown, with even Guardiola admitting his side stand no chance of catching Liverpool.
They are just two points behind fourth-placed Chelsea though so a win over Enzo Maresca's side would lift them above the Blues into a Champions League slot.
City had a tough midweek clash with PSG in Europe's elite competition on Wednesday so that could boost Chelsea's chances, with no Conference League fixture for them this week.
Maresca's side have shown flashes of brilliance this term but they've yet to beat one of the real big hitters so the Blues boss will be looking to claim a statement victory at the Etihad.
How the bookies view it: Home comfort for Pep
This is a tricky one to call but BoyleSports reckon Manchester City will get the job done at home as they make them 5/6 favourites. Chelsea are 13/5 outsiders and the draw is just a little bigger at 14/5.
Recent head to head: City bossing it
Manchester City have been a bogey team for Chelsea in recent years, with the Blues failing to win any of the last 10 meetings. Eight of those games were victories for Guardiola's side, including a 2-0 triumph at Stamford Bridge earlier this season.
Players to watch: Glass is half Phil again
Phil Foden took a while to get going this season, with last term's Player of the Year drawing a Premier League blank until mid-December. But has now scored six times in his last seven outings and is 15/8 at BoyleSports to grab another goal.
Cole Palmer will have a point to prove against his old club and netted against them in a 4-4 thriller last term. The Chelsea talisman is 7/4 for another goal today while an assist pays 7/2 with Bet365.
Probable line-ups
Nathan Ake and Jeremy Doku missed out against PSG in midweek due to injuries while Rodri and Oscar Bobb still aren't ready to return. New signings Vitor Reis, Abdukodir Khusanov and Omar Marmoush could come into contention for debuts.
Chelsea still have issues in defence, with injuries to Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill and Benoit Badiashile forcing them to recall Trevor Chalobah from his loan at Crystal Palace. Midfielders Romeo Lavia and Enzo Fernandez are doubts after missing the win over Wolves.
Manchester City: Ederson, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol, Lewis, Kovacic, De Bruyne, Gundogan, Foden, Savinho, Haaland.
Chelsea: Jorgensen, Cucurella, Adarabioyo, Chalobah, James, Dewsbury-Hall, Caicedo, Palmer, Sancho, Madueke, Jackson.
Anything else catch the eye?
Armchair fans will be hoping for a repeat of that 4-4 thriller from last season and we should see goals at both ends, with neither team defending particularly well of late.
That's reflected in the odds, with BTTS just 4/11 and adding on over 2.5 goals only boosting the odds to 8/13. So I'm going to combine both teams to score with no draw, which pays a better 20/21 at BoyleSports. Over 1.5 first-half goals also appeals at 21/20.
It's not in Maresca's style to sit back so this should be an open game and that could lead to a few corners. Over 11.5 flag kicks pays 11/8 with BoyleSports while over 4.5 Chelsea corners is 10/11.
The midfield battle ground will be key and I fancy City's Mateo Kovacic for a card at 11/4 with Bet365.
This English Premier League match between Manchester City and Chelsea will be played on Jan 25, 2025 and kick off at 17:30. Check below for our tipsters best Manchester City vs Chelsea prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
Manchester City vs Chelsea Betting Tips & Predictions
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