"Watching their title dreams take a real blow and opening this weekend's fixtures sat four points adrift of Arsenal, Pep Guardiola's men face what is a must-win showdown at the Etihad. Signing off 2025 with a 2-1 win against Nottingham Forest, the former Barcelona boss has not seen his squad suffer a single defeat from any of their previous nine appearances across all competitions (eight wins, one draw)."
"Dealing with a recent hamstring injury and expected to complete a January move away from the Etihad, Norwegian youngster Oscar Bobb will miss out here. Likewise, both away at this month's AFCON, the duo of Omar Marmoush and ex-Wolves defender Rayan Ait Nouri will play no part this weekend. However, making a first appearance since the start of November away at Sunderland on New Year's Day, former Ballon d'Or winner Rodri should get some more minutes under his belt."
Manchester City need an immediate response after a toothless 0-0 draw at Sunderland and sit four points behind Arsenal, making this Etihad fixture a must-win. City finished 2025 with a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest and remain unbeaten in nine matches across all competitions (eight wins, one draw). The side have conceded only one domestic goal in the past month and have won their last nine home fixtures. Oscar Bobb is sidelined with a hamstring injury and will miss the match; Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait Nouri are absent on AFCON duty. Rodri returned at Sunderland and should see more minutes; Josko Gvardiol may replace Nico O'Reilly. Chelsea won a Club World Cup but now face a major crisis amid Enzo Maresca's messy departure following a 2-2 stalemate.
Read at Soccer News
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