Following their midweek UEFA Champions League setbacks, Manchester City will seek redemption in the English Premier League when they host Chelsea FC at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, January 25, 2025. Africa Football’s editor Allan Damba provides his prediction for the match, followed up with betting tips.
Match Overview
Pep Guardiola’s Citizens suffered a 4-2 loss to French heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday at the Parc des Princes, despite taking a 2-0 lead by the 55th minute. Chelsea, on the other hand, were not involved in midweek action and will enter Saturday’s clash with fresher legs.
On the Premier League table, the two teams are separated by just two points. Enzo Maresca’s Blues currently sit fourth with 40 points, while Manchester City are fifth with 38, after 22 matches. The chase for a Champions League spot is heating up for both teams.
In their last league outings over the weekend, both sides secured victories. Manchester City dismantled Ipswich Town 6-0 at Portman Road, while Chelsea recorded a solid 3-1 win over Wolves at Stamford Bridge.
Recent Form Analysis: Manchester City
Manchester City have been inconsistent recently, with three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five matches across all competitions. During this period, they have scored an impressive 22 goals but conceded seven.
- Last Five Games: 3 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss
- Latest Result: PSG 4-2 Manchester City
Recent Form Analysis: Chelsea
Chelsea’s form has been patchy, with two wins, two draws, and one loss in their last five games in all competitions. They have scored 11 goals while conceding six in the same period.
- Last Five Games: 2 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss
- Latest Result: Chelsea 3-1 Wolves
Head-to-Head (Last Five Games)
- Chelsea 0-2 Manchester City
- Manchester City 4-2 Chelsea
- Manchester City 1-0 Chelsea
- Manchester City 1-1 Chelsea
- Chelsea 4-4 Manchester City
Prediction for Manchester City vs Chelsea
Both teams are in decent form and are chasing the same goal: a Champions League spot next season. This promises a closely contested match, but Manchester City might have the edge, given their recent dominance in this fixture.
Player to Watch
Tosin Adarabioyo: The English defender of Nigerian descent has become a key figure in Enzo Maresca’s backline. The 27-year-old has impressed with his defensive contributions and has also chipped in with four goals in 19 appearances this season for Chelsea.
Related article: Tosin Adarabioyo’s Salary Boosts After Move to Chelsea
Betting Tips:
- Home (Manchester City) Win with odds of 2.00 on 1xBet.
- Both Teams to Score (YES) with odds of 1.37 on 1xBet.
