The return of Rodri to the starting lineup is a major boost for the Blues as they prepare to face Chelsea. This announcement marks a significant shift in Pep Guardiola's strategy, with several key changes to the starting eleven for the highly anticipated evening clash. Rodri, a pivotal figure, makes his first start in three months, injecting a dose of stability and experience into the midfield. But here's where it gets interesting...
Guardiola has opted for a tactical reshuffle, bringing in Rodri, Josko Gvardiol, and Tijjani Reijnders. Simultaneously, Nico, Nathan Ake, and Savinho will be watching from the sidelines. Ake finds a spot on the bench, while Savinho and Nico are completely absent after sustaining injuries. This 17:30 (UK) kick-off at the Etihad promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Adding to the complexity, Savinho is nursing an injury, joining Oscar Bobb and Mateo Kovacic on the injury list. Furthermore, Nico and John Stones are not fully fit, adding to the selection challenges.
Rodri's absence has been felt since his last start in the 1-0 victory at Brentford in November 2025. His return is eagerly awaited by fans and the team alike.
Currently, Guardiola's Blues hold the third position in the Premier League standings. However, a win tonight could see them leapfrog Aston Villa, placing them a mere four points behind league leaders Arsenal.
Here's a look at the expected lineups:
CITY XI: Donnarumma, Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly, Rodri, Bernardo (C), Reijnders, Foden, Cherki, Haaland
Subs: Trafford, Ake, Doku, Khusanov, McAidoo, Mukasa, Lewis, Mfuni, R Heskey
CHELSEA XI: Jorgensen, Acheampong, Chalobah, Badiashile, Gusto, Fernandez, James (c), Estevao, Palmer, Neto, Joao Pedro
Subs: Merrick, Slonina, Tosin, Hato, Santos, Garnacho, Gittens, Delap, Guiu
Tactical Insights:
Gianluigi Donnarumma will guard the goal, supported by a defensive quartet of Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, and Nico O’Reilly.
Rodri is set to anchor the midfield, following an impressive second-half performance at Sunderland. He'll be joined by captain Bernardo Silva and Tijjani Reijnders in the midfield battleground.
Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden are expected to interchange positions, creating space behind the formidable Erling Haaland, who leads the attack.
Welcome Back, Rodri!
There's something incredibly reassuring about seeing Rodri's name on the team sheet. The Spanish Ballon d’Or winner is a true talisman. His mere presence on the pitch brings a sense of calm, and when he's in action, he's like a finely tuned machine.
His anterior cruciate ligament injury, sustained in September 2024, sidelined him for a significant portion of the past season, dealing a blow to Guardiola and the fans. This season has seen a stop-start return for Rodri, with only nine appearances due to setbacks.
And this is the part most people miss... Nico Gonzalez has stepped up admirably in Rodri's absence, contributing to 13 wins from 18 Premier League games and spearheading the team's journey to the League Cup semi-finals, while also bringing them closer to the Champions League knockout stages.
However, Rodri's return, coupled with his impactful second-half performance against Sunderland, signals a welcome shift. With City aiming to keep the pressure on Arsenal, the timing couldn't be better, especially against a managerless Chelsea, who are sure to be a tough opponent.
Focus on Ourselves
Enzo Maresca's departure from Stamford Bridge has undoubtedly altered the landscape, but Guardiola is well aware that Chelsea will be as formidable as ever.
Guardiola, when questioned about Maresca's exit after the 0-0 draw with Sunderland, acknowledged Chelsea's loss of an 'incredible manager and person'. However, he emphasized that the team's focus remains on their own game, regardless of external factors.
“It has always been a dangerous game against Chelsea. Always. The Premier League is dangerous every game.
“Just think about yourself, what do you have to do with our people who are going to help us and two tough games against Chelsea and Brighton.”
Enjoyment and Effectiveness
Rayan Cherki is a delight to watch, and he embraces this role wholeheartedly. The summer signing has caught the eye with his bravery and boldness on the field.
While Cherki loves to entertain, he also understands the essence of football: winning. He is eager to secure three points against Chelsea.
“If I had to describe my game, I like beautiful things. I love football,” he said pre-match.
“I like to see it with emotion. Not all lives are easy and when the fans come to the stadium, it’s to enjoy 90 minutes of pure pleasure and forget everything.
“And that’s what I’m here for, but at the same time I want to be effective. That’s the objective.”
Cherki is striking a perfect balance between these two aspects.
Match Statistics
- City boasts an impressive unbeaten streak in their last eight Premier League matches against Chelsea (W6 D2), matching their longest run without a loss against the Blues in league history (also 8 between 1936 and 1949).
- After winning four consecutive away league games against City between 2005 and 2008, Chelsea has managed only three wins in their last 16 visits to the Etihad (D2 L11).
- City has only failed to score in one of their last 22 Premier League games against Chelsea, losing 2-0 at Stamford Bridge in December 2018.
- Chelsea has won their first league game in just one of the last nine calendar years (D6 L2), beating Fulham 1-0 in 2024.
- City has secured victories in their last eight Premier League home games, scoring 3+ goals in seven of those, including the last five consecutively. The last time they scored 3+ goals in more consecutive home league games was between April and October 2022 (10).
- Chelsea has managed to win only one of their last seven Premier League games (D4 L2), after winning five of their previous six (L1).
- Chelsea has dropped 15 points from winning positions in the Premier League this season, matching their total from the entire 2024/25 season. They last dropped more points in 2022/23 (18). However, 13 of these 15 points were lost at Stamford Bridge.
- This will be Pep Guardiola’s 31st meeting with Chelsea as a manager (W15 D7 L8), only facing Arsenal more often (33). As Man City boss, this will be his 26th match against the Blues (W15 D3 L7), equalling his most frequent opponent (also 26 vs Manchester United).
- Erling Haaland has scored 11 goals in eight Premier League home games for City this season, netting twice in five different games. The last player to score 2+ goals in more home games in a season was Haaland himself in 2022/23 (6).
- Each of Cole Palmer’s last nine Premier League goals for Chelsea have been scored in London. He hasn’t scored outside of the capital since December 2024 (vs Southampton), nor north of London since August 2024 (vs Wolves).
Tickets for City vs. Brighton are on General Sale
The Etihad will host an entertaining Brighton side on Wednesday, January 7th, at 19:30 (UK).
Tickets are now on general sale, with fans able to claim up to three tickets each. Adult tickets start from £30, and concessions are available from as low as £15.
Alternatively, you can elevate your experience with hospitality packages, starting from just £180 per person, offering a range of experiences to suit your budget.
What are your thoughts on Rodri's return and the changes in the lineup? Do you agree with Guardiola's approach, and what are your predictions for the match against Chelsea? Share your opinions in the comments below!
