Manchester City could etch their name into club history when they welcome Chelsea to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday evening, aiming to break a 77-year unbeaten record against the London side.
The fixture marks Chelsea’s first Premier League outing since the shock departure of head coach Enzo Maresca on New Year’s Day. The Italian, who had been in talks with his former mentor Pep Guardiola about potentially succeeding him at City, left Stamford Bridge abruptly.
Chelsea are now in advanced negotiations with Strasbourg boss Liam Rosenior, who is expected to take charge unless an extraordinary twist occurs. For now, Under-21s coach Calum McFarlane will lead the Blues into what promises to be a daunting test.
Chelsea have failed to win any of their last eight Premier League meetings with City, losing six and drawing two since their 2-1 triumph at the Etihad in May 2021.
A win or draw for Guardiola’s men would extend that streak to nine matches, setting a new club record for their longest unbeaten run against Chelsea in league football.
City equalled their previous best of eight games unbeaten against the Blues with a 3-1 victory in January 2025, matching a sequence first achieved between 1936 and 1949. Chelsea, meanwhile, would suffer their longest-ever winless run against the Mancunian giants if they fail to prevail.
Guardiola’s side have also scored in 21 of their last 22 league matches against Chelsea, only failing to find the net in a 2-0 defeat in December 2018.
Chelsea’s preparations have been further complicated by the suspension of Moises Caicedo, who picked up his fifth yellow card of the season in the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth. While Cole Palmer remains available and eager to impress against his former club, his scoring record raises concerns.
The England international has struck just three times in nine league appearances this season, and each of his last nine Premier League goals have come in London. Palmer did not score outside the capital once in 2025, with his last such effort arriving at Southampton in December 2024.
His most recent goal north of London dates back to August 2024, when he netted against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux.
