Despite murmurs of discontent at Stamford Bridge, Maresca’s sacking on the first day of the new year was quite unexpected.
Enzo Maresca was named Premier League Coach of the Month for November 2025. Since then, Chelsea’s form has declined, with just one win in their last seven games.
The London club were not expected to be real title contenders, but considering they won the FIFA Club World Cup last summer and the value of their young squad, the 15-point gap to league leaders Arsenal at mid-season was pitiful.
Things get even more serious when you look at the statistics: Chelsea have lost a 15-point lead in the Premier League this season, as many as in the entire 2024/25 season.
The coach most likely to replace Maresca is Liam Rosenior, who impressed as a coach at Strasbourg, a BlueCo-owned club in Ligue 1.
Continuing with Man City today, Calum McFarlane is expected to take on the role of interim manager, facing a home team desperate for a win to keep pace with Arsenal, after dropping two points on New Year’s Day.
On matchday 19 of the Premier League, Pep Guardiola’s team tried by all means to break Sunderland’s defense but was unsuccessful.
The draw ended Manchester City’s run of eight consecutive wins in all competitions. The gap with Arsenal in the league table widened to four points.
However, the Citizens’ impressive run at the Etihad Stadium continues. They have won eight consecutive games at home, scoring three or more goals in seven of them.
Chelsea have only won their first game of the year once in the last nine seasons. Therefore, it would be a big surprise if they take three points from Manchester City, considering the difficulties and instability they have experienced off the field recently.
Asian handicap: Manchester City -1 (0:1) – Over/Under: 3 1/4
Prediction: Manchester City win 3-2
Strength information
Manchester City: Savinho, Nico González, Oscar Bobb, John Stones and Mateo Kovacic are out due to injury. Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait Nouri participate in the African Cup of Nations.
Chelsea: Levi Colwill, Romeo Lavia, Darío Essugo and Jorrel Hato are injured. Caicedo is suspended.
Planned lineup
City of man: Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Guardiol, O’Reilly; Silva, Rodri, Reijnders; Cherki, Foden; Haaland.
Chelsea: Sánchez; Acheampong, Fofana, Chalobah, Gusto; James, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; pedro.
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