Chelsea v Manchester City: live stream and TV details, how to watch, injury news and predicted teams

Everything you need to know ahead of City’s crunch clash with Chelsea on Saturday.
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Manchester City face one of their key challengers to their Premier League crown when they travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea on Saturday (12.30 BST).  

The Citizens, fresh from their 6-1 rout of Wycombe Wanderers in midweek, come up against a Blues side that has yet to taste defeat this season.

Thomas Tuchel’s side are top of the league on the virtue of alphabetical order after an identical record with Liverpool.

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This is the first meeting since June when Chelsea claimed a second UEFA Champions League trophy at the expense of City, with Kai Havertz scoring the winner.

Here is all you need to know ahead of Saturday’s lunch-time clash.

What’s the team news?

After giving five youth players a chance against Wycombe, Pep Guardiola will be fully expected to field the strongest side against Chelsea.

The likes of Kevin de Bruyne, Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez all played and they will be called upon again on Saturday.

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For the last three of City’s matches, John Stones has been absent due to a muscular problem but could be available this weekend.

Stones’ centre-back partner Aymeric Laporte has also been on the treatment table with a groin injury, his issue like Stones is a minor problem and could also be in contention to return.

Guardiola could be without midfield duo Ilkay Gundogan and Rodri however with major doubts over their fitness.

Gundogan was forced off with an injury in last week’s 1-1 draw with Southampton last weekend whilst Rodri missed Tuesday’s match.

Kepa Arrizabalaga is expected to continue in between the sticks. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)Kepa Arrizabalaga is expected to continue in between the sticks. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Kepa Arrizabalaga is expected to continue in between the sticks. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

What about the opposition?

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For Chelsea, Eduoard Mendy is one player that could miss out after he sustained a rib injury in their win over Zenit and has still not fully recovered. He did not play in the win over Spurs and was not used in the League Cup win over Aston Villa yesterday.

Kepa Arrizabalaga has done well in Mendy’s absence, recovering from a jittery start to life at Stamford Bridge and would be a more than capable option on Saturday.

The only other player who may not feature due to an injury is American winger Christian Pulisic. He picked up an ankle injury whilst on international duty for the United States and has not played for over a month for the London side.

Predicted line-ups

Manchester City: (4-3-3): Ederson, Cancelo, Aké, Dias, Walker, Silva, Fernandinho, De Bruyne, Grealish, Torres, Sterling

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Chelsea: (3-4-2-1): Kepa, Rudiger, Christensen, Azpilicueta, Alonso, James, Kante, Jorginho, Havertz, Mount, Lukaku.

Is the match on TV?

The usual lunch-time kick off on a Saturday is reserved usually for BT Sport and Saturday will be no different. BT Sport 1 is broadcasting it and their pre-match coverage will begin from 11.30.

If you don’t want to wait around for that though, the game will kick off at 12.30.

Can I stream the match?

Yes. If you’re out and about rather than at home or at the pub, you can watch it on your mobile phone on the BT Sport app.

Can I stream the match if I don’t subscribe to BT Sport? 

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Unlike Sky Sports, BT Sport do not offer a ‘Now TV’ style day pass and instead offer a Monthly Pass. If you have that then you will be able to, otherwise you will have to seek an alternative way, such as radio commentary or text.

How can I watch highlights?

As always, highlights will be available on Match of the Day on Saturday with a start time of 22.30. Goals will also be available to watch on the YouTube channel of Sky Sports’ Premier League.

There will also be post-match analysis coverage here on ManchesterWorld.

Why are City and United playing at the same time?

Usually both teams fixtures are kept apart from one another, mainly due to television scheduling and the standing of both clubs, but this weekend however, both City and the Red Devils will kick off at the same day and time.

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Originally due to take place at the traditional kick-off time of 15:00, the Trafford Council Safety Advisory Group have requested for an earlier kick-off due to a Courteeners gig at the cricket ground at Old Trafford later in the evening.

A club statement from Manchester United read: “Our home match against Aston Villa on 25 September has been brought forward to a 12.30 BST kick-off, following a request from Trafford Council Safety Advisory Group to move the game due to The Courteeners concert at Lancashire Cricket Club, Emirates Old Trafford, on the same day.

“This request was supported by Greater Manchester Police and TfGM to avoid significant crowd, traffic and operational issues locally.

“We regret any disruption that this may cause around our supporters’ plans for the day.”