There is rarely a quiet period at Chelsea, and New Year’s Day delivered another major twist as Enzo Maresca was relieved of his duties after just 18 months as head coach. Despite guiding the Blues to the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup titles, the Italian failed to convince ownership duo Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital that he was the long-term solution at Stamford Bridge.
Maresca’s exit comes amid growing speculation linking him with a future move to Manchester City as a potential successor to Pep Guardiola, but a dismal domestic run ultimately sealed his fate. Chelsea managed just one league victory in seven matches, while their overall form across all competitions shows only two wins from the last nine outings — numbers that proved impossible to ignore.
The timing of the dismissal adds further intrigue ahead of Chelsea’s daunting trip to the Etihad Stadium, a venue where the Blues have not tasted victory since their 2–1 success under Thomas Tuchel in May 2021. Since then, Chelsea have cycled through multiple permanent and interim managers without finding a winning formula in Manchester, and their fragile top-four push is now under serious threat.
Currently sitting fifth in the Premier League, Chelsea are three points adrift of Liverpool in fourth but only narrowly ahead of a tightly packed chasing group. Goal difference separates them from Manchester United, while Sunderland, Everton, Brentford, Crystal Palace and Fulham all remain within touching distance, leaving little margin for error.
Interim head coach Calum McFarlane faces a baptism of fire, with the Etihad offering no respite for a side winless in their last three away league games. Meanwhile, Manchester City enter the contest under pressure of their own after a six-match winning streak was halted by a spirited Sunderland side in a goalless draw on Thursday.
That result handed Arsenal a four-point cushion at the top of the table following their emphatic 4–1 victory over Aston Villa, and Guardiola’s men could find themselves seven points off the pace by Sunday evening depending on the Gunners’ result against Bournemouth. As a result, City’s need for maximum points could not be clearer.
Recent history strongly favours the champions. Manchester City are unbeaten in their last 11 meetings with Chelsea, a run that underscores their dominance since suffering three consecutive defeats during the spring of 2021. With confidence high and silverware still firmly in sight, the hosts will view this fixture as an opportunity to exploit a vulnerable Chelsea side and close gameweek 20 with a statement victory.
