HP Terbaru 2023 – Managerless Chelsea head to Manchester City

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By Alex Roberts

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Chelsea’s frustrating 2-2 draw with Bournemouth was ultimately Maresca’s final game at the club. Results haven’t been great, one win in seven Premier League games is damning, but its clear other factors have been at play.

As for City, a pretty exciting 0-0 draw with Sunderland last time out, ending an eight-game winning run across all competitions leaves them five points off Arsenal at the top of the Premier League.

New year, same circus

Maresca became the first manager in Premier League history to be sacked, or leave by mutual consent, depending on who you ask, on New Year’s Day. Not the best way to start 2026 but a fat cheque will have likely smoothed things over.

It’s just the latest in a long line of confusing decisions made by the club’s sporting directors and ownership. Yes, it was a poor end to 2025, but reports are suggesting that this wasn’t necessarily due to footballing reasons, but more because Maresca was less willing to be a yes man led by those who face zero accountability.

There have also been reports that Maresca was in talks with Man City over eventually taking over from Guardiola, so maybe Chelsea decided to pull the trigger before he jumped ship. Under-21s boss Calum McFarlane will be keeping the seat warm for Liam Rosenior in this one.

Rayan Cherki lighting it up

Getting back to the stuff that happens on the pitch, Rayan Cherki is starting to look like the Kevin de Bruyne replacement Man City replaced him to be. He was good in the Sunderland draw, but incredible in the 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest.

Playing off the right, Cherki’s goal and assist will get all the headlines, and rightfully so, but his overall performance shouldn’t go overlooked. He created the most chances in the game (3), completed two successful dribbles, and won five ground duels.

He now has two goals and seven assists in his 14 Premier League games, only nine of which have been from the first whistle. Comparisons with Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz feel a little insulting at this point.

Team news

Maresca is gone, but there are still a few things we can say for certain with Chelsea. Moisés Caicedo is once again suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card in the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth, even if it was harsh.

Jorrel Hato (discomfort), and Marc Cucurella (hamstring) are both out, leaving Chelsea without a natural left-back. Levi Colwill (ACL), Dário Essugo (thigh), and Roméo Lavia (thigh) are also out.

Don’t expect too many changes from Guardiola. Omar Marmoush and Rayan Aït Nouri are both away at AFCON, while Mateo Kovačić (ankle), John Stones (muscle), and Oscar Bobb (muscle) are both also out. Savinho is a doubt.

Prediction

This isn’t going to be a good day for Chelsea fans. No manager, little confidence, and with Caicedo out, we expect City to put in a BIG BOY performance and teach the visitors a lesson. So, 4-1 to City.

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(Cover image from IMAGO)

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