Football
Manchester City vs Chelsea Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
Date: January 25, 2025 Kickoff Time: 17:30 (UK Time) Venue: Etihad To suggest these two teams have begun to languish might be a bit of an exaggeration, but they certainly aren’t hitting the heights they seemed to be destined for earlier this season. Erling Haaland called for humility before seeing his team struggle to find a reason to celebrate and Enzo Maresca rubbished our Chelsea Predictions by suggesting his side aren’t close to a title surge! Nevertheless, this will be an enticing encounter for Premier League betting lovers.
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Nicholas Jackson//Getty Images
Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability – Chelsea the Underdogs
Home: 8/10 (1.8) – 51%
Draw: 31/10 (4.1) – 23%
Away: 53/20 (3.65) – 26%
Head-To-Head Record
Last five meetings (All Competition)
18/08/2024: Chelsea 0–2 Manchester City
03/08/2024: Chelsea 2–4 Manchester City
20/04/2024: Manchester City 1–0 Chelsea
17/02/2024: Manchester City 1–1 Chelsea
12/11/2023: Chelsea 4–4 Manchester City
Manchester City Current Form – WWWDW
So, at the risk of once again testing fate, is Manchester City back? When we started to get ahead of ourselves, they gifted Brentford valuable points…but they absolutely dismantled Ipswich in the league.
On the topic of goals, Erling Haaland’s new contract for City is great news. There is no doubt that he is an absolute talent in front of goal, and if ever the fans needed a lift this has surely given them one.
This hasn’t been the easiest season for Pep Guardiola or Manchester City, but as is the case with sport, a win against a rival club like this could certainly make things feel better.
Key Players to Watch
- Phil Foden: Phil Foden has been incredibly quiet this season. He hasn’t necessarily been the unrelenting weapon City are used to, but by his standards, he has been worryingly placid. The English attacking ace has seemed to have turned the corner and reminded the world of his ability in the league – City will be hoping this continues long into the future.
- Erling Haaland: Erling Haaland is without question one of the best finishers the Premier League has seen. The fact that people forget that, when he goes through a blip for instance, is simply intolerable.
How can we, in good faith, leave him off a ‘key players to watch’ list? - Matheus Nunes: Matheus Nunes has been impressive to watch at Manchester City. Their defensive system is very fluid and often largely dynamic, but even amidst his progressive approach to defending, Nunes still has the physicality and aggressiveness needed to be impactful for City. Keep an eye on him here.
Manchester City Team News
John Stones (foot injury), Oscar Bobb (broken leg) and Rodri (knee injury).
Chelsea Current Form – LLDWD
You just need to take one look at Chelsea’s current form to know that they aren’t anywhere near what we thought they could be after the start of the season. Yes, Enzo Maresca now has the chance to say, ‘I told you so’, but he still has a great deal to be proud of this season.
The turnaround at Chelsea between last season and this one is incredible. They look really balanced already, notwithstanding any additions they make during the summer, and one might begin to think next season could be interesting.
However, before we get there, they face a trip to the Etihad.
Key Players to Watch
- Josh Acheampong: The fact that Chelsea have struggled to keep players fit has been something largely advertised, but there have been players who have taken the opportunity and stepped up! Acheampong has been incredibly impressive this season, they will be hoping he continues his form here.
- Christopher Nkunku: Nkunku has settled into his role at Chelsea admirably, he plays second string to Nicholas Jackson but every time he has been given an opportunity, he seems to take it. If he can transfer his European form to the Premier League, Chelsea have a special player here.
- Moises Caicedo: Moises has struggled to find consistent starting positions for Chelsea, but in the absence of Lavia, he might find more and more opportunities to start in his natural position. There is no doubt Moises Caicedo is a great player, and you shouldn’t be surprised to see him have a massive effect on proceedings for Chelsea.
Chelsea Team News
Ben Chilwell (virus), Benoit Badiashile (muscle injury) Mykhailo Mudryk (banned), Cole Palmer (ankle injury), Romeo Lavia (muscle injury), and Wesley Fofana (hamstring injury) are all doubts.
Predicted Line-Up
Manchester City: 4-2-3-1
Ederson, Gvardiol, Dias, Akanji, Nunes, Kovacic, Gundogan, Doku, De Bruyne, Foden, Haaland.
Chelsea: 4-2-3-1
Sanchez, James, Colwill, Chalobah, Cucurella, Enzo, Caicedo, Sancho, Palmer, Madueke, Jackson.
Suggested Bets
Our online football betting strategies and suggested bets for this encounter are outlined below.
Chelsea to Win: Chelsea are seemingly on the cusp of returning to their best, and when they do, they will no doubt earn a massive result! We are backing the Blues to claim all three here. 53/20 (3.6) with Pinnacle and Betway
Both Teams to Score (Yes): Neither side has really shown tremendous defensive prowess, so backing both teams to score might be the optimal play here. 9/20 (1.45) with 1xBet and Pinnacle
Chelsea + Both Teams to Score (Yes): Combine these two betting angles to maximise the value on offer. 4/1 (5.0) with 1xBet and Pinnacle
Value Bets
Over 2.5 Goals: Another betting angle to consider, especially if you agree that there are goals in this one, would be backing the over 2.5 goals market. 9/20 (1.45) with 1xBet and Pinnacle
Chelsea (Win/Draw): Hedging your bets a little bit on a Chelsea result would still provide punters with enough value to back the market. 8/10 (1.8) with 1xBet and Pinnacle
Nicholas Jackson (Anytime Goalscorer): Jackson will once again lead the line for Chelsea, and while he has struggled to endear himself to fans, we think he could be a good bet to find the back of the net. He is due a purple patch, and what a place to find one! 29/10 (3.9) with 1xBet and Pinnacle
Prediction: Chelsea Win
It is a prediction which will no doubt elicit an enquiring response from punters, but Chelsea is a side who have shown their ability and even with injuries, boast a talented squad. City have struggled and are still largely inconsistent – the odds available on the away win is simply a gift we must appreciate.
Ryan Liberty is an experienced sports writer whose articles have featured in some of the biggest sports publications in South Africa. With a strong understanding of all major sports and an in-depth understanding of betting, Ryan consistently delivers insightful content. He's also known for his ability to break down complex topics into engaging, reader-friendly pieces.
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