Chelsea begin life after Enzo Maresca with a tough trip to the Etihad Stadium for a heavyweight Premier League clash with Manchester City on Sunday and a 5.30pm kick-off.
Head coach Maresca’s surprise departure was announced on New Year’s Day following what was a disappointing run of three games without a win at the end of 2025.
City started 2026 with a frustrating goalless draw away at Sunderland on Thursday night, but Pep Guardiola’s side have been strong at home this season and they will fancy their chances of overcoming what is likely to be an unsettled Chelsea outfit this weekend.
We have put together a Bet Builder for the Etihad Stadium contest that pays out at 14/1 in the football betting.
Manchester City v Chelsea Bet Builder
Manchester City to win @ 8/13
Under 2.5 total goals @ 8/5
Erling Haaland anytime goalscorer @ 11/20
Phil Foden 1+ shots on target @ 4/7
Pays out at 14/1
City to give Chelsea the Blues
Chelsea will be working hard behind the scenes to quickly bring in a replacement for Maresca, but whoever is in the away dugout at the Etihad on Sunday, this will be a tough game for the visitors.
This venue has not been a happy hunting ground for Chelsea over recent years, with the Blues failing to win on any of their last seven visits to the Etihad.
City have won six of their last seven competitive home games against the Blues and Guardiola’s men are backed to get their Premier League title ambitions back on track this weekend.
Leg 1: Manchester City to win @ 8/13
One or two goals might do it for City
Keeping clean sheets in all of their last three home games, City might well be able to keep this Chelsea side off the scoresheet on Sunday.
This would make for another low-scoring game between these two sides, as under 2.5 total goals would have landed in three of the last four competitive meetings between these clubs.
Leg 2: Under 2.5 total goals @ 8/5
Haaland to reach 20-goal mark
Erling Haaland might have drawn a blank against Sunderland last time out, but the Norwegian superstar is backed to rediscover his impressive goalscoring form against Chelsea on Sunday.
The deadly striker seems to like facing the men from west London, having scored four times in six previous games against the Blues.
Given his overall scoring form this season, Haaland is tipped to score what would be his 20th Premier League goal of the campaign this weekend.
Leg 3: Erling Haaland anytime goalscorer @ 11/20
Foden to test visiting keeper
Haaland may top the league for shots at goal this season, but Phil Foden sits second among City players in the charts.
The England international has already had 25 shots in the Premier League this season and looks well placed to hit the target at least once in this fixture.
Leg 4: Phil Foden 1+ shots on target @ 4/7
