City battle to rescue stalled title charge against leaderless Chelsea

Manchester City will look to reassert control of the title race on Sunday when they welcome Chelsea to the Etihad Stadium in a fixture shaped by uncertainty as much as urgency.

City enter the contest under pressure after their goalless draw with Sunderland brought an end to a six-match winning run and allowed Arsenal to extend their advantage at the summit.

That result did little damage in isolation, but it has sharpened the need for a response as Pep Guardiola’s side attempt to avoid falling further behind in the race.

Chelsea’s visit arrives at a turbulent moment, with the Blues preparing for their first match following the dismissal of Enzo Maresca earlier in the week.

The managerial change has created unpredictability around selection, structure and approach, factors City will be keen to exploit if they are to maintain contact with the leaders.

Chelsea travel north without a permanent head coach and with confidence already fragile after a poor run of results through December.

The Blues have managed only one win in their last seven league matches, a sequence that has dragged them into a congested group chasing European places.

Their away form has also faltered, with recent trips offering little encouragement ahead of another daunting visit to Manchester.

The Etihad has been an unforgiving venue for Chelsea in recent years, with their last victory there coming in May 2021.

Since then, several managerial changes have failed to alter a pattern of control firmly tilted in City’s favour.

Manchester City, by contrast, remain formidable at home despite their recent slip, winning eight consecutive league matches at the Etihad.

They have scored freely against top-half opposition on home soil this season, often settling contests early with sustained pressure and attacking depth.

The draw at Sunderland may have ended a winning run, but it also reinforced Guardiola’s demand for sharper execution in decisive moments.

With Arsenal already moving clear, City are aware that dropped points at this stage carry greater consequence.

That sense of urgency should define their approach against a Chelsea side still searching for stability.

Chelsea’s squad quality ensures they remain capable of disruption, but uncertainty around leadership and confidence could leave them vulnerable.

An interim setup offers freedom but also risk, particularly against opponents who thrive on control and structure.

This fixture represents an opportunity for City to restore momentum and apply pressure ahead of a demanding run of matches.

For Chelsea, it is an early test of resilience in a new and unsettled chapter.

Given the circumstances surrounding both sides, intensity and intent are expected to shape a contest with significant implications.