Man City vs Chelsea LIVE! Premier League result, match stream and latest updates today

Manchester City vs Chelsea LIVE!

Chelsea came within just a few minutes of producing their most impressive result of the Mauricio Pochettino era so far at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday night. The Argentine almost pulled off the perfect game plan on the road in a daunting fixture as Raheem Sterling’s brilliant counter-attacking goal had his side into a deserved half-time lead.

Erling Haaland was unusually wasteful as Man City toiled in search of a dramatic turnaround, while Ederson made a few strong saves in a pulsating, end-to-end clash to round off another thrilling day in the Premier League. Ultimately Chelsea could not cling on for a first win over City since the 2021 Champions League final in Porto, with Rodri’s emphatic late strike taking a big deflection on its way past Djordje Petrovic.

Though City’s late equaliser kept their long home unbeaten streak alive, they still fell behind in the title race after big wins for both leaders Liverpool and Arsenal earlier in the day, over Brentford and Burnley respectively. Follow Man City vs Chelsea reaction live below, with expert analysis from Standard Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella at the Etihad.

Man City vs Chelsea highlights

• GOAL! Rodri blasts in deflected late leveller

• GOAL! Sterling finishes off brilliant break

Man City 1-1 Chelsea

19:47 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella at the Etihad Stadium

A really impressive performance from Chelsea shows they can compete with the best ahead of the Carabao Cup final next weekend.

Little progress is made in the Premier League table though, with Chelsea in 10th.

Man City 1-1 Chelsea

19:29 , George Flood

Full-time

And breathe!

Man City 1-1 Chelsea

19:28 , George Flood

95 mins: VAR has a good look at that but it’s no penalty.

City have another corner that is missed by Petrovic, but Chelsea scramble clear and the full-time whistle sounds.

Man City 1-1 Chelsea

19:27 , George Flood

94 mins: Absolute chaos in that Chelsea box as City push for a last-gasp winner!

An uncharacteristic punch from Petrovic, VAR now looking after an Akanji appeal for handball against I think Colwill as he tussled with Ruben Dias.

Rodri heads wide!

Man City 1-1 Chelsea

19:23 , George Flood

90 mins: Doku’s relatively harmless cross looks to be sailing straight through to Petrovic, until Disasi decides to intervene and head behind for another City corner - from which Haaland heads straight at the Chelsea ‘keeper.

Four minutes of added time for the Blues to hang on.

Should mention that Silva was booked a while ago for a poor challenge on Caicedo.

Man City 1-1 Chelsea

19:20 , George Flood

87 mins: City continue to ask questions in search of a dramatic late win.

Chelsea try to counter led by Gallagher, but Chilwell is caught offside.

Man City 1-1 Chelsea

19:20 , George Flood

Here is that equaliser from Rodri...

GOAL! Man City 1-1 Chelsea | Rodri 83'

19:15 , George Flood

83 mins: There’s the equaliser and the Etihad erupts!

Can they go on and win it now?

Walker’s effort is blocked before a thunderous strike from Rodri deflects in off the knee of Chalobah.

City are inevitable. Plenty of time left for another...

Man City 0-1 Chelsea

19:14 , George Flood

82 mins: Casadei is now being sent on by Pochettino.

Jackson makes way.

Man City 0-1 Chelsea

19:13 , George Flood

80 mins: Chilwell does brilliantly against Haaland at the back post before Silva curls comfortably wide.

Signs of frustrations from City, but still plenty of time left.

And Chelsea have had a penchant for conceding late goals this season...

Man City 0-1 Chelsea

19:11 , George Flood

78 mins: Another massive missed chance from Haaland!

He gets away from Colwill to meet De Bruyne’s sensational left-footed cross, but his header sails well over the target.

Man City 0-1 Chelsea

19:10 , George Flood

77 mins: It’s just not happening for City at the moment as a ball to the back post goes safe for a pressure-relieving goal kick for Petrovic.

Chelsea offering nothing on the counter now.

Man City 0-1 Chelsea

19:09 , George Flood

75 mins: So many dark blue shirts to try and navigate through inside that packed Chelsea box as the likes of Doku and Foden try to turn the screw.

De Bruyne stays down clutching his ankle after colliding with Caicedo. He’s quickly back up.

Man City 0-1 Chelsea

19:06 , George Flood

72 mins: Chelsea’s defenders have not been shy to celebrate their endeavours so far tonight - Colwill following Disasi’s lead by pumping his fists and roaring in triumph after a key low intervention.

Man City 0-1 Chelsea

19:05 , George Flood

69 mins: City are dominating now and having so much of the ball, but another couple of corners come to nothing.

Chelsea are going to five at the back as Chalobah comes on for his first minutes of the season.

Palmer off to a smattering of boos from his former fanbase.

Man City 0-1 Chelsea

19:01 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella at the Etihad Stadium

Sterling booed off by parts of the Etihad, others applauding.

Both are a sign of respect.

Man City 0-1 Chelsea

18:59 , George Flood

66 mins: Palmer releases Gallagher down the Chelsea right and substitute Nkunku ends up having a shot blocked by Akanji.

The rebound looks to fall kindly for Jackson, but it’s taken off his foot and blasted hopelessly high and wide by Fernandez.

Jackson is absolutely fuming with his team-mate, but Nkunku was offside anyway.

Man City 0-1 Chelsea

18:58 , George Flood

65 mins: Still the chances pile up for City as Doku releases Haaland, whose shot is deflected by Disasi and beaten away by Petrovic.

Doku then misses the target with his own effort.

Man City 0-1 Chelsea

18:57 , George Flood

64 mins: A change apiece from both managers now.

Nkunku and Bernardo Silva are both coming on.

Off go goalscorer Sterling and Alvarez.

Man City 0-1 Chelsea

18:56 , George Flood

62 mins: Chelsea are under siege again here as Foden’s volley from a Doku cross is blocked by Disasi and Colwill then blocks the follow-up from Haaland from close range.

City keep the momentum rolling and Rodri ends up blasting high and wide.

Man City 0-1 Chelsea

18:54 , George Flood

61 mins: Chelsea see off more danger and further balls into the box before Palmer picks up a cheap booking.

Man City 0-1 Chelsea

18:52 , George Flood

59 mins: Chelsea are keeping their defensive shape well now as City probe patiently in search of an opening just shy of the hour mark.

Walker’s cross from the right is headed clear emphatically by Colwill.

Man City 0-1 Chelsea

18:48 , George Flood

56 mins: Almost a crucial second goal for Chelsea against the run of play!

Palmer finds Gusto, whose whipped low delivery from the right finds Sterling and Ederson makes another top save.

The Brazilian also reacts quickly to keep out the rebound from Chilwell.

Man City 0-1 Chelsea

18:47 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella at the Etihad Stadium

Moises Caicedo needs to be careful as he has made a lot of fouls and keeps complaining about refereeing decisions.

A red card could kill Chelsea's momentum.

Man City 0-1 Chelsea

18:46 , George Flood

53 mins: Chelsea show their first attacking intent of this second half, with Jackson getting to the byline and picking out Gallagher, who can’t steer a first-time finish on target at the front post.

Man City 0-1 Chelsea

18:44 , George Flood

51 min: Here come City again on a three-pronged break with Foden, De Bruyne and Haaland, who miscues an awkward first-time volley well wide.

He’s missed a few strong chances so far tonight.

Man City 0-1 Chelsea

18:43 , George Flood

50 mins: Chelsea need to calm down here, it’s already very panicked and frantic back there.

Way too much time left on the clock to be playing like that already.

Petrovic messes up one kick before Walker goes down in the box after a collision with Sterling.

City want a penalty, but referee Andy Madley gives it the other way.

VAR confirms.

Man City 0-1 Chelsea

18:40 , George Flood

47 mins: A panicked start to the second period from Chelsea, with Caicedo’s poor trip on Rodri just outside the box leading to a sweet De Bruyne free-kick that is whipped onto the roof of the net.

Caicedo will now be running the risk of a second yellow.

Man City 0-1 Chelsea

18:38 , George Flood

Back underway!

Can Chelsea battle their way to what would be an absolutely enormous win?

No doubt a fair few Arsenal and Liverpool fans will be watching this crucial second half with interest...

Man City 0-1 Chelsea

18:37 , George Flood

The teams are back out at the Etihad. We will be back underway very soon.

Doesn’t look like any changes at the break.

Guardiola was absolutely seething after that Sterling goal, so no doubt he’s read the riot act in the dressing room.

Man City 0-1 Chelsea

18:30 , George Flood

Here is that goal from Sterling to break the deadlock.

One of the finer counter-attacking goals you will see...

Man City 0-1 Chelsea

18:28 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella at the Etihad Stadium

Well, that's a surprise.

An exceptional half from Chelsea, who look composed on the ball, dangerous on the break, well-drilled and winning their midfield battles.

An absolutely stunning goal gives them a deserved lead at half-time.

Man City 0-1 Chelsea

18:26 , George Flood

Another goal for Raheem Sterling against his former club...

Man City 0-1 Chelsea

18:23 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella at the Etihad Stadium

Raheem Sterling scores an exceptional counter-attacking goal against his former club.

Cole Palmer clips another ball in behind for Nicolas Jackson.

His first-time cross is gathered by Sterling, who cuts inside and curls a sensational finish past Ederson.

One of Chelsea's goals of the season, that's for sure.

Man City 0-1 Chelsea

18:22 , George Flood

Half-time

Well, well, well. Who saw this coming?

Spirited Chelsea ahead at the break after Sterling finished off a stylish counter-attack.

They weathered the storm before half-time there and will likely have to do much the same for most of the second period.

Man City 0-1 Chelsea

18:22 , George Flood

48 mins: Another chance for Haaland late in this first half, but his latest header is steered wide of the back post.

Man City 0-1 Chelsea

18:21 , George Flood

47 mins: Chelsea’s penalty box has been under siege since they opened the scoring, with Fernandez now blocking Alvarez’s strike.

The ball keeps coming back courtesy of the likes of Foden and De Bruyne.

Chelsea will be desperate to get in at half-time with the lead here.

Man City 0-1 Chelsea

18:19 , George Flood

45 mins: Frustrated City are pushing hard for a swift equaliser before the break.

Disasi’s crucial header takes the ball away from Haaland before Jackson almost scores at the wrong end.

Three minutes of added time have been signalled.

GOAL! Man City 0-1 Chelsea | Raheem Sterling 42'

18:15 , George Flood

42 mins: The ex-City man haunts his former club again!

It’s another great break from Chelsea, Jackson pulling off a super little flick to find Palmer, who then releases the Senegalese forward again in turn.

Jackson’s first-time cross picks out Sterling, who cuts inside Walker before curling a brilliant strike beyond Ederson.

Excellent, excellent goal on the counter.

Man City 0-0 Chelsea

18:14 , George Flood

41 mins: Very sloppy defensively from Chelsea and Alvarez fires twice, the second hits the defender and City fans scream for a penalty for handball - not given.

Here come Chelsea on a speedy break...

Man City 0-0 Chelsea

18:13 , George Flood

39 mins: Just not the usual fizz and pep (excuse the pun) from City in attack so far this evening.

That’s a few times they have not been on the same wavelength now, with quite simple passes being overhit or not quite on the money.

Man City 0-0 Chelsea

18:11 , George Flood

37 mins: Concern for Chelsea here with Gallagher having picked up a knock - not what Pochettino will want to see with that Carabao Cup final showdown with Liverpool to come at Wembley next weekend.

He’s now back up and moving rather gingerly.

We’ll see if he can run it off before the break.

Man City 0-0 Chelsea

18:09 , George Flood

35 mins: Now Caicedo chops down De Bruyne from behind and deservedly picks up the first yellow card of the evening. He needs to calm down.

City deliver a dangerous free-kick into the box that is seen off well by Colwill.

Man City 0-0 Chelsea

18:07 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella at the Etihad Stadium

Mauricio Pochettino has been very animated on the touchline so far today.

He is complaining about refereeing decisions and constantly in his players's ears.

Man City 0-0 Chelsea

18:07 , George Flood

32 mins: Chelsea are in behind City again on the counter, but once more Ederson rushes out this time to thwart Sterling.

The offside flag is belatedly raised.

Man City 0-0 Chelsea

18:06 , George Flood

30 mins: That’s a very poor challenge from Caicedo on Doku and he’s lucky to avoid any form of punishment whatsoever as it’s ignored by referee Andy Madley and then checked and cleared by the VAR.

Man City 0-0 Chelsea

18:01 , George Flood

28 mins: De Bruyne and Foden both stand over it and the former swings in a deep delivery that is blocked off the head of Haaland.

Man City 0-0 Chelsea

18:00 , George Flood

27 mins: De Bruyne leads a dangerous City break but he’s forced wide by an overhit Haaland back-heel and eventually settles for a corner, with Haaland tumbling at the back post while trying to break free of Chilwell.

Chilwell’s poor pass piles more pressure on Chelsea, with City earning a free-kick in a useful position that they will pump into the box.

Man City 0-0 Chelsea

17:59 , George Flood

25 mins: City scampered forward on the counter straight after that big save from Ederson, but Chelsea’s weakened rearguard stand firm.

Akanji then comes off worse from an aerial tussle with Disasi.

Man City 0-0 Chelsea

17:56 , George Flood

23 mins: A massive chance for Chelsea to take the lead but Jackson is denied at close quarters by Ederson!

It was a brilliant pass by Palmer down the right to release the overlapping Gusto, who then picked out Jackson inside the box.

But the Senegalese forward’s first touch was heavy and that allowed Ederson the necessary time to close the space and make the stop.

Man City 0-0 Chelsea

17:55 , George Flood

21 mins: The game is just entering a little lull, which will suit Chelsea and Pochettino just fine.

Palmer vs Ake is developing into a very interesting battle down the Chelsea right, as well as Sterling vs Walker on the other flank.

Man City 0-0 Chelsea

17:54 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella at the Etihad Stadium

Nathan Ake is also facing his former club tonight and has made some exceptional front-footed interventions and one outstanding last-ditch tackle on Cole Palmer.

Man City 0-0 Chelsea

17:52 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella at the Etihad Stadium

Raheem Sterling versus Kyle Walker is a really interesting battle.

The two England internationals who match each other for pace taking each other on.

It has been a positive start from Chelsea, with Nicolas Jackson forcing an error from Ederson that almost saw Cole Palmer in.

Man City 0-0 Chelsea

17:52 , George Flood

19 mins: Very nice from Chelsea again and a gorgeous pass from Gallagher almost tees up Palmer, but for a crucial last-ditch challenge from ex-Blues defender Ake.

The subsequent corner is cleared.

Man City 0-0 Chelsea

17:50 , George Flood

16 mins: Another Chelsea counter-attack is swiftly snuffed out before Alvarez releases Doku and Rodri’s hopeful strike from outside the box is blocked.

A decent pace to this game now after City started by stroking the ball around deep inside their own half at a leisurely pace.

Man City 0-0 Chelsea

17:47 , George Flood

14 mins: Chelsea do pose a threat on the counter here and Sterling gets free before firing a low strike straight into the arms of Ederson.

Man City 0-0 Chelsea

17:46 , George Flood

13 mins: Huge early chance for City!

That’s a monstrous jump from Haaland to soar high and hang above Colwill and head an Alvarez cross from the byline narrowly wide.

You’d normally expect him to bury that.

A real let-off for Chelsea inside the first 15 minutes.

Man City 0-0 Chelsea

17:45 , George Flood

12 mins: A bit of a frustrating start from Jackson, who has already spurned two decent counter-attacking chances tonight.

This time he tries to pick out Sterling, but the pass is woefully overhit.

Man City 0-0 Chelsea

17:43 , George Flood

10 mins: A rare moment of panic from Petrovic there as Chelsea clear an initial free-kick for a foul on Doku and a return ball into the box is headed high into the air by Fernandez, with Chelsea’s goalkeeper then completely missing his attempted punch as he’s put under pressure by Akanji.

Chelsea do just about scramble clear.

Man City 0-0 Chelsea

17:42 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella at the Etihad Stadium

‘Three Little Birds’ is being sung in the away end once again at the Etihad Stadium. But, unlike at Crystal Palace, it is being drowned out a lot by the Manchester City atmosphere.

Nicolas Jackson is playing down the middle today. Raheem Sterling is on the left and Cole Palmer on the right. A slight curveball from Pochettino tactically.

Man City 0-0 Chelsea

17:41 , George Flood

8 mins: Lovely football from Chelsea as Palmer and Fernandez combine to release Gallagher, whose pull back from the byline is just behind Jackson and Akanji can clear.

Man City 0-0 Chelsea

17:40 , George Flood

6 mins: A couple of little fouls from Chelsea there in an attempt to break this City monopoly.

Foden is trying to work some space inside the box, but he’s well shackled by a combination of Fernandez and Chilwell.

Jackson is playing through the middle for Chelsea tonight by the way, with Sterling on the left and Palmer out right.

Man City 0-0 Chelsea

17:37 , George Flood

4 mins: City are absolutely dominating possession in the early going as you might expect, patiently knocking the ball around deep inside their own half and hoping to draw Chelsea onto them.

The Blues are mostly content to sit and keep their solid shape, though they are now starting to chase from the front.

Man City 0-0 Chelsea

17:35 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella at the Etihad Stadium

Defensive injuries might be a problem for Chelsea going forward, but it offers Levi Colwill an important chance to showcase his talents in his best position as the left-sided centre-back.

Every single Man City starter shook Cole Palmer's hand in the tunnel.

According to Pochettino, he "doesn't care" about playing away at his former club and will be ready to perform.

Man City 0-0 Chelsea

17:34 , George Flood

2 mins: A typically confident start from City as De Bruyne finds Haaland, who lays off for a low Alvarez strike that fizzes wide.

The hosts are pressing very high early on and it’s working already.

Man City vs Chelsea

17:33 , George Flood

KICK-OFF

Underway at a rainy Etihad Stadium!

Can Chelsea spring an upset?

They haven't beaten City since the 2021 Champions League final in Porto...

Man City vs Chelsea

17:30 , George Flood

The teams are out at a rainy Etihad!

Kick-off is imminent.

Man City vs Chelsea

17:25 , George Flood

Final preparations at the Etihad!

To say it’s a bit wet would be an understatement...

Man City vs Chelsea

17:17 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella at the Etihad Stadium

Ollie Harrison is a very interesting choice to be called up by Mauricio Pochettino to the Chelsea bench tonight.

He’s had a good season for the Under-18s but is leapfrogging players from the U21s.

Pochettino explains absence of fit-again Robert Sanchez

17:15 , George Flood

Mauricio Pochettino has cleared up why Robert Sanchez is not involved at all for Chelsea today despite finally shaking off that knee injury that has kept him out since early December.

“We had hoped to include Robert Sanchez in the squad today but after the press conference on Friday, it emerged that he had a personal problem which meant he could not be here with us,” the Blues boss explained.

Man City vs Chelsea

17:13 , George Flood

Here’s more form Standard Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella at the Etihad...

Liverpool and Arsenal throw down Man City title challenge

17:09 , George Flood

So it’s full-time at Turf Moor, where Arsenal thrashed struggling Burnley 5-0 for a fifth straight win that takes them above Manchester City and into second in the Premier League table, two points behind leaders Liverpool after the latter’s injury-hit 4-1 win at Brentford at lunchtime.

Two emphatic statements from City’s title rivals this afternoon - can Pep Guardiola’s defending champions follow suit?

Chelsea have dropped to 11th after Wolves’ shock win at Tottenham, but would go up as high as eighth with a surprise victory of their own here after West Ham lost again at Nottingham Forest.

Spurs are now fifth and five points behind City, with Aston Villa up to fourth and three points back after winning 2-1 at Fulham today.

Man City vs Chelsea

16:57 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella at the Etihad Stadium

Mauricio Pochettino has stuck with Djordje Petrovic as his starting goalkeeper despite Robert Sanchez's return.

The team is largely as you would expect with many defenders out injured, allowing Levi Colwill to start in place of Thiago Silva and Benoit Badiashile at centre-back.

It's the typical Manchester weather at the Etihad Stadium for this one to greet the players in torrential winter rain.

Chelsea have struggled up north and away from home all season, so need to find something they have failed to find today.

Two Chelsea changes as Colwill and Sterling come in

16:49 , George Flood

It’s two changes from Mauricio Pochettino meanwhile to the Chelsea team that produced a dramatic late show to win 3-1 at Crystal Palace on Monday night.

The injured Thiago Silva is replaced in defence by Levi Colwill, himself only back from a hamstring injury with a second-half cameo at Selhurst Park.

The midfield is as expected, but in the front three Raheem Sterling replaces Noni Madueke to join fellow ex-City star Cole Palmer.

No Robert Sanchez at all for Chelsea despite his apparent return to fitness, with Djordje Petrovic continuing in goal supported by Marcus Bettinelli.

Youngsters Alfie Gilchrist, Ishe Samuels-Smith and Ollie Harrison are all on the bench amid the Blues’ ongoing injury woes.

Bernardo Silva on bench as Man City make three changes

16:43 , George Flood

Manchester City show three changes from the side that beat FC Copenhagen 3-1 in their Champions League last-16 first-leg tie in Denmark in midweek.

Bernardo Silva is only fit enough for the bench after his ankle knock and Jack Grealish is out as expected, so Jeremy Doku and Julian Alvarez come into a very attacking lineup.

The other alteration from Pep Guardiola is in defence, where Manuel Akanji replaces John Stones.

Stones is on the bench, along with Silva and the fit-again duo of Mateo Kovacic and Sergio Gomez.

Chelsea lineup

16:33 , George Flood

Starting XI: Petrovic, Gusto, Disasi, Colwill, Chilwell, Fernandez, Gallagher, Caicedo, Palmer, Jackson, Sterling

Subs: Bettinelli, Chalobah, Gilchrist, Samuels-Smith, Casadei, Harrison, Madueke, Mudryk, Nkunku

Man City lineup

16:31 , George Flood

Starting XI: Ederson, Walker, Akanji, Dias, Ake, Rodri, De Bruyne, Foden, Alvarez, Doku, Haaland

Subs: Ortega, Stones, Kovacic, Silva, Gomez, Nunes, Bobb, Susoho, Lewis

Bernardo Silva in Man City squad

16:23 , George Flood

Stay tuned for confirmed lineups from the Etihad, coming very shortly.

Early reports on Twitter suggest that Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic are both in the Manchester City squad this evening...

Pochettino: Music 'can change everything' for Chelsea

16:13 , George Flood

If things go well for Chelsea this evening, you can guarantee that Bob Marley’s ‘Three Little Birds’ will once again belt out from the away end at the Etihad.

The travelling fans sang it throughout the entirety of the second half at Selhurst Park on Monday night, with Crystal Palace having initially played it during a delay caused by issues with the referee’s equipment.

It is a song Chelsea fans have also sung in the past and Mauricio Pochettino believes such an anthem can have a positive impact on his side.

"They (fans) were happy, no? They were winning the game and everything was positive for us. After we scored, the feeling changed quick,” he said.

"I was so focused I didn't hear the song. But after the game our fans made it their anthem.

"Music is so important for everyone. It can change your mood, can change your energy, can change everything.

"For sure some players can provide better or more energy.

“We used to do at Southampton and after at Tottenham, at the end of every single training session, we cheated a bit because we put a speaker in the middle of the pitch and made them run with music, different players choosing every day.

“We need to suffer, but we did with music. And they were so happy,

"We haven't done that here but maybe one day. Music is one of the most important things in life."

State of play at Premier League summit

16:01 , George Flood

It’s half-time at Turf Moor, where confident Arsenal are cruising towards a fifth straight win over Burnley thanks to goals from captain Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka.

So bar an unlikely comeback from the struggling Clarets after the interval, City will indeed be third in the Premier League table by the time they kick off against Chelsea this evening.

They will be three points adrift of Arsenal in second and five behind leaders Liverpool, who beat Brentford 4-1 away at lunchtime in a game where they lost all of Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota and Curtis Jones to injury.

But City will crucially have two games in hand on their rivals (including today’s).

Guardiola takes responsibility for Palmer's Man City exit

15:50 , George Flood

Pep Guardiola opened up candidly on Cole Palmer’s summer exit from Manchester City at his pre-match press conference on Friday.

The Spaniard insisted it was his responsibility for not handing the new England contender the regular action he so craved and eventually led to his exit, with Palmer having already played more minutes, scored more goals and registered more assists for Chelsea than he did at City.

"For young players, we always want them to stay but this is normal. After two or three seasons he wanted more minutes than he had the last season. I understand completely,” Guardiola said.

"If Palmer had the minutes I gave to Phil (Foden) from the beginning, Cole Palmer would be here - but I didn't give them to him. That is my responsibility.

"Why? Because of Bernardo (Silva), Riyad (Mahrez), Phil. In that moment, I chose the other ones.

"After one season it is nice, and the second season, but the third season it is, 'Oh guys, I want to play, I don't want to sit on the bench'.

"It's normal. We understand as a club. We got an offer from an incredible top club like Chelsea and I'm really happy for him. In all clubs these types of things happen.”

Guardiola added of Palmer: "We knew the quality he has and the impact he has shown this season is enormous.

"It is not just goals and assists, it is the quality. He is an incredible threat for Chelsea."

Man City vs Chelsea

15:43 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Chelsea correspondent Nizaar Kinsella has arrived at the Etihad Stadium, where the weather is frankly rotten.

Persistent rain and dreary grey skies - Chelsea will hope that’s not an early bad omen for a gloomy evening ahead!

Pochettino: Cole Palmer totally unfazed by Man City homecoming

15:32 , George Flood

Much of the focus today, at least initially, will be placed on Cole Palmer.

The Wythenshawe boy is making his first return to the club he was with since Under-8 level until a £42.5million summer deadline day switch to Chelsea, with whom he has thrived to already become arguably their most important attacker.

Palmer scored a last-gasp penalty in the thrilling 4-4 draw against his old side at Stamford Bridge back in November, while he already has 12 goals and nine assists in 29 matches so far this term.

You might expect the 21-year-old to be feeling the pressure associated with such a high-profile return to his former stomping ground, though Mauricio Pochettino insists he will be totally unfazed.

“He is very smart. It is hard to find a word in English from Spanish; he is smart, intelligent and cheeky,” the Argentine said.

“He is emotionally intelligent. He doesn't care [about the pressure of playing at City]. He will play well or not well but not because of the pressure.

"He is from Manchester but he looks like he is Brazilian and Argentinian in his capacity to adapt so quick. One of our strengths as Argentinians is to adapt so quick.

“Maybe sometimes people from north to south struggle to adapt but that’s the key - he adapted to life here in Cobham, around south London and the club.”

Man City vs Chelsea prediction

15:20 , George Flood

In this kind of form, it would be foolish to look past the champions.

Chelsea are winless in all of their meetings with City since famously beating them in the 2021 Champions League final in Porto, while they have beaten only one team positioned above them in the table away from home all season.

City are on a frankly ridiculous run of form across all competitions and just don’t tend to lose at the Etihad, where they pile up the goals for fun more often than not.

This may be more spirited than usual from Chelsea, but a comfortable defeat still seems like the most likely outcome.

Man City to win, 3-1.

Chelsea team news

15:15 , George Flood

Thiago Silva has been added to Chelsea’s ever-lengthy list of absentees after sustaining his own groin injury in the second half of Monday night’s dramatic 3-1 win at Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

Mauricio Pochettino’s defensive options are beginning to look a little thin after Benoit Badiashile was also ruled out for a month with the groin issue he sustained against Aston Villa in the FA Cup.

Carney Chukwuemeka is another new casualty with a twisted ankle, while captain Reece James remains sidelined along with Romeo Lavia, Marc Cucurella, Lesley Ugochukwu and Wesley Fofana.

Robert Sanchez is though back fit after a knee problem that had kept him out since early December, giving Pochettino something of a dilemma in goal with deputy Djordje Petrovic having consistently impressed in the absence of Chelsea’s usual no1.

Man City team news

15:09 , George Flood

Pep Guardiola has had the luxury of a full squad to choose from of late with the likes of Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne fully back in the fold, though the picture has got decidedly more complicated this week.

Jack Grealish is out today with a groin injury that forced him off in a rare Manchester City start against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League in midweek, while Bernardo Silva was set to be assessed on Friday after taking a hefty blow to his ankle in the second half of the 3-1 last-16 first-leg win in Denmark in which he scored.

Mateo Kovacic has returned to training along with Sergio Gomez so should be available for selection against his former club, though City have lost his Croatia team-mate Josko Gvardiol for the next few weeks with an ankle ligament problem.

Where to watch Man City vs Chelsea

15:06 , George Flood

TV channel: Today’s game will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra HDR. Coverage starts at 5pm GMT.

Live stream: Subscribers will also be able to watch on a live stream online via the Sky Go app.

Man City vs Chelsea live coverage

15:03 , George Flood

Good afternoon and welcome to Standard Sport’s live coverage of Manchester City vs Chelsea in the Premier League.

The resurgent Blues have eased the pressure on Mauricio Pochettino of late with back-to-back 3-1 away wins, though they face arguably the toughest test that the top-flight has to offer this evening as they head to battle an in-form Manchester City side hunting for a 12th successive win across all competitions.

Follow Liverpool’s injury-hit 4-1 win at Brentford earlier today, City are now five points adrift of the Reds at the summit and will be eager to cut that back down to size with yet another victory at fortress Etihad.

They could be third by the time they get underway, with Arsenal also in action at struggling Burnley this afternoon.

Stay tuned for all the latest team news and live updates from today’s 5:30pm GMT kick-off, plus analysis from Standard Sport’s Chelsea correspondent Nizaar Kinsella at the ground.