Chelsea vs Manchester City prediction: expert analysis, possible lineups, April 12, 2026
FA Cup England
In the 32nd round of the English Premier League on April 12, 2026, Chelsea will face Manchester City. The hosts will need to try to take points off a title contender.
Chelsea vs Manchester City: Team News and Expert Analysis
The London top club invited Maresca in the summer before last. He lifted the team to fourth place in the EPL, also winning the Conference League, and in the summer – the Club World Cup. However, around New Year, amid conflicts with management, Enzo was dismissed. Rosenior, who replaced him, seemed to be coping well, although in the League Cup semi-final they showed little against Arsenal. In March, however, they suffered two painful defeats to PSG in the Champions League. In the EPL, after a couple of losses, they dropped to sixth place. After the break, they thrashed Port Vale in the cup, but that was a very weak opponent.
The Etihad giants finished last season without trophies and only third in the Premier League. In March, Guardiola at least secured the League Cup, beating Arsenal in the final. But in the EPL they are noticeably behind, with little time left to fix things. In the Champions League, they lost without a chance to Real Madrid in March. In the cup against Liverpool, however, they achieved a resounding 4-0 win in April.
Caicedo and company average 1.71 goals scored, conceding a third less in return – 1.23 per match. The title contender, scoring about twice per game, allows just 0.93 goals per match.
Head-to-Head: Chelsea vs Manchester City
In the last twelve matches, the Londoners managed only three draws – all other games were lost.
The visitors are rightly favored. For a safer bet, take a "0" handicap (odds – 1.62).
Chelsea vs Manchester City: Key Stats and Trends
- Chelsea lost four games in a row before the cup
- 65% of Chelsea's matches end with goals from both teams and the average total goals per match is 2.94
- Manchester City have won three of their last seven matches
- 50% of Manchester City's matches end with goals from both teams and the average total goals per match is 2.93
Chelsea vs Manchester City: Probable Starting Lineups
Chelsea play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (probable lineup): Sanchez – Cucurella, Hato, Fofana, Gusto – Caicedo, Lavia – Neto, Fernandez, Palmer – Joao Pedro. Chalobah and Colwill are injured, and it is uncertain whether Fernandez will return to the squad.
Manchester City play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (probable lineup): Donnarumma – Ake, Khusanov, O’Riley, Nunes – Silva, Rodri – Doku, Cherki, Semenyo – Haaland. Gvardiol will not return soon.
Place your bets on the upcoming match and follow your team’s position in the English Premier League table
