Manchester City host Chelsea on Saturday evening in a highly anticipated showdown between two of the Premier League’s most illustrious clubs.

While both sides boast impressive histories of domestic dominance, neither has managed to mount a serious title challenge this season, with inconsistency plaguing their campaigns and leaving little indication of a turnaround.

City’s latest setback came midweek in the Champions League, where they squandered a two-goal advantage to fall 4-2 against PSG, dealing a significant blow to their European ambitions.

Meanwhile, Chelsea finally broke their five-match winless streak with a hard-fought victory over Wolves on Monday. However, the damage from their recent poor form has all but extinguished their hopes of contending for the league title.

With both teams desperate to regain their footing, this encounter promises to deliver high drama under the Etihad lights.

The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.

Man City vs. Chelsea live stream, TV channel

Here’s how to watch this Premier League match in the U.K:

TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League
Live stream: Sky Go, Now TV

This game is available for live TV broadcast in the United Kingdom on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. Streaming options for other Premier League games are available on Sky Go, Now TV and Sky Ultra HD.

What time does Man City vs. Chelsea kick off?

This Premier League clash takes place at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, United Kingdom and kicks off on Saturday, January 25 at 5:30 p.m. local time (GMT).

Man City vs. Chelsea lineups, team news

City’s latest round of injuries might mean a couple of Guardiola’s new signings being thrust into this heavyweight clash. 

Nathan Ake did not travel to Paris and Ruben Dias told his boss he could not continue at half-time. The fact Rico Lewis rather than John Stones replaced the Portugal centre-back indicates the latter is not fit enough to start. 

This brings new recruits Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis into contention, with Khusanov’s Ligue 1 experience making him feel like the most likely to be thrown in.

At the other end of the field, fitness problems for Jeremy Doku and Savinho over the past week mean Omar Marmoush could come straight in following his £59m move from Eintracht Frankfurt.

Rodri‘s ongoing injury absence means central midfield remains a huge problem for City and Guardiola criticised Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic‘s performances against PSG. Ilkay Gundogan and Jack Grealish could start in their place but there are no idea solutions at present.

Man City predicted XI (3-2-2-3, right to left): Ederson (GK) — Khusanov, Akanji, Gvardiol — Lewis, Gundogan — De Bruyne, Grealish — Foden, Haaland, Marmoush.

Injured: Bobb (broken leg), Rodri (ACL), Doku, Savinho, Ake, Dias (all doubts)
Suspended: None

Chelsea head coach Maresca will hope to have Enzo Fernandez available once again to partner Moises Caicedo in midfield, with Romeo Lavia still expected to be sidelined against his former club.

Nevertheless, fellow City academy graduates Tosin Adarabioyo, Cole Palmer and Jadon Sancho are all in contention to feature.

Renato Veiga is unlikely to feature as a move to Juventus reportedly moves closer.

Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and Omari Kellyman remain sidelines, while Mykhailo Mudryk is still suspended following his adverse finding in a doping test last month.

Chelsea predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Sanchez (GK) — James, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella — Caicedo, Fernandez — Madueke, Palmer, Sancho — Jackson.

Injuries: Fofana, Badiashile, Kellyman (all hamstring) Dewsbury-Hall (undisc.), Palmer, Fernandez, Colwill, Lavia (all doubtful, knocks)
Suspensions: Mudryk

Man City vs. Chelsea Prediction 

Two of the best attacking teams from this tournament are gearing up to face each other at the Etihad. City’s recent new signing might have given them a much-needed boost ahead of this clash; moreover, their track record against Chelsea is also commendable.

However, things won’t be as easy for Pep Guardiola’s side, and the Blues will look to find some ways to trouble the host and come away with a draw.

Prediction: Man City 2-2 Chelsea

Premier League fixture schedule this week

All times GMT

Saturday, January 25

• Bournemouth vs. Nottingham Forest  (3:00 p.m.)
• Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Everton  (3:00 p.m.)
• Liverpool vs. Ipswich Town  (3:00 p.m.)
• Southampton vs. Newcastle United  (3:00 p.m.)
• Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Arsenal  (3:00 p.m.)
• Manchester City vs. Chelsea  (5:30 p.m.)

Sunday, January 26

• Crystal Palace vs. Brentford  (2:00 p.m.)
• Tottenham Hotspur vs. Leicester City  (2:00 p.m.)
• Aston Villa vs. West Ham United  (4:30 p.m.)
• Fulham vs. Manchester United  (7:00 p.m.)