Chelsea head to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday evening facing one of the most demanding fixtures in English football, with significant scrutiny on selection, fitness and short-term direction following recent upheaval behind the scenes. This Premier League meeting with Manchester City arrives at a pivotal moment for the club, not only because of the calibre of the opposition, but due to the internal reset currently under way.
With Chelsea preparing for their first match since the departure of Enzo Maresca, caretaker head coach Calum McFarlane is tasked with steadying the ship while navigating a number of selection challenges. Team news, injury latest and the predicted lineup will be closely monitored as supporters look for early indicators of what comes next.
### Chelsea situation heading into Manchester City clash
Chelsea’s build-up has been dominated by uncertainty rather than form. Maresca’s exit earlier this week brought an abrupt end to an 18-month spell that delivered mixed results and left the squad in a transitional state. McFarlane, promoted from within, takes charge on an interim basis and faces an immediate examination of his authority and judgement.
Training sessions in the latter part of the week focused heavily on restoring structure and confidence, with players keen to impress under new leadership. There is no expectation of wholesale tactical change, with Chelsea likely to retain the 4-2-3-1 system used in recent weeks, at least in the short term.
The challenge, however, is significant. Manchester City remain formidable at home and will dominate possession for long spells, forcing Chelsea to be disciplined without the ball and decisive when opportunities arise.
### Team news and injury latest for Chelsea
Chelsea’s injury list remains a key factor in selection. Marc Cucurella is the main fitness doubt but trained on Friday after being forced off against Aston Villa late last month. A final assessment will be made on matchday, though there is cautious optimism he will be available to start at left-back.
Moises Caicedo is unavailable through suspension after collecting his fifth yellow card of the season in midweek, removing a key presence from midfield. His absence forces McFarlane into a significant decision, with several internal options under consideration.
Romeo Lavia, Dario Essugo and Levi Colwill remain sidelined with longer-term issues and are not expected back imminently. Cole Palmer, meanwhile, continues to be carefully managed and has not completed a full 90 minutes since September, though there is a growing belief this fixture may warrant extended involvement given the emotional narrative of his return to face his former club.
### Predicted lineup and tactical considerations
Chelsea are expected to name Robert Sanchez in goal, with Malo Gusto likely to start at right-back. Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah are tipped to continue as the central defensive pairing, offering pace and recovery against City’s fluid forward line. Should Cucurella be declared fit, he is expected to slot straight back in on the left.
Midfield selection is the most intriguing aspect of the predicted lineup. With Caicedo suspended, Reece James is a strong candidate to partner Enzo Fernandez in a double pivot, providing physicality and ball progression. Andrey Santos is another option but may be held in reserve.
Further forward, Pedro Neto is favoured on the right wing, though Estevao Willian’s performance against Bournemouth has placed pressure on McFarlane to reward form over experience. Cole Palmer is set to operate centrally behind the striker, with Alejandro Garnacho expected to feature from the left.
Joao Pedro is predicted to lead the line, tasked with pressing aggressively and linking play in transition.
Chelsea predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Fernandez, James; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Joao Pedro
### What this match means for Chelsea short-term
While the result itself is important, the broader focus is on performance, cohesion and clarity. Chelsea are not expected to control the game, but how they respond under pressure will shape early perceptions of McFarlane’s interim spell.
A disciplined display, even in defeat, would buy time and calm. A chaotic performance, however, risks amplifying uncertainty at a club already navigating another period of transition. Team news, injury latest and the predicted lineup therefore carry added weight, serving as a first glimpse into Chelsea’s immediate future rather than merely a tactical preview.
The Etihad has rarely been forgiving for visiting sides, but Chelsea’s young squad will view this as an opportunity to reassert identity, rediscover resilience and set a baseline for what follows.