Man City face Chelsea with Dias out as Guardiola sets must-win tone
City are confident Rodri will sign a new deal amid Real Madrid interest, with talks ongoing. Bernardo Silva is set to leave and John Stones could move, while Morten Hjulmand is monitored.
Chelsea vs Man City is live on Sky Sports, with coverage from 4pm BST. City chase Arsenal, facing a side on back-to-back league defeats and winless against them since May 2021.
Former Man City keeper Ederson, now at Fenerbahce, is hit by a missile at Kayserispor and pushes away a camera while on the ground. He later keeps a clean sheet in a 4-0 win.
Bernardo Silva makes a record 297th Premier League appearance for a Portuguese player v Chelsea, surpassing Luis Boa Morte. The Man City captain now has 19 major trophies and leads City’s double push.
Guardiola urges Rayan Cherki to stay high and dictate the final third, praising his rhythm and vision, and likening his composure to Bernardo Silva ahead of Chelsea. Cherki has 9 goals and 11 assists.
Ruben Dias remains out, Pep Guardiola confirming he is ‘not ready for Sunday’. City must beat Chelsea to capitalise on Arsenal’s slip, with leaders like Rodri and Haaland key.
Kalvin Phillips, on loan at Sheffield United, would need a huge pay cut to leave Man City permanently. Another loan is likelier as City cover major wages and his deal runs to 2028.
Report says Juventus’ lack of UCL could deter Man City captain Bernardo Silva, with Barcelona also keen, while Alisson is open to join regardless. Failure may force Juve to sell key players.
Report claims Man City and Man United join Liverpool in race for West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, who could be cheaper if relegated. City interest poses competition for a midfield target.
Report claims Man United could use England camp at the 2026 World Cup, via Harry Maguire, to sway Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson amid interest from City.
City visit Chelsea after dropping points at West Ham, seeking to extend a 12-game unbeaten run v Chelsea and sustain title pressure. Stamford Bridge has been a fruitful venue in recent years.
City will allow James Trafford a loan if he seeks minutes, valuing him far above £40m and demanding 100% wage coverage. Donnarumma is No.1, with Pierce Charles eyed as cover if Trafford departs.
Pundits react to Arsenal’s defeat to Bournemouth, urging City to ‘smell blood’ in the title race and seize momentum.
City have made informal contact for Sporting’s Morten Hjulmand, who has a £70m clause. Sporting are open to talks as Guardiola plans a midfield refresh with Bernardo set to exit and Rodri uncertain.
Feature picks a combined most expensive transfers XI for Chelsea vs City, notably omitting Erling Haaland.
Guardiola says the title race will be ‘over’ if City drop points at Chelsea, stressing they must win all games, then beat Arsenal to keep hopes alive after Arsenal’s Bournemouth loss.
