Chelsea host Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday 12 April 2026 in a Premier League fixture with significant implications at both ends of the top six. City, sitting second on 61 points, are chasing leaders Arsenal in the title race, while Chelsea, sixth on 48 points, need results to keep their European qualification hopes alive. This is the return fixture after the two sides drew 1-1 at the Etihad Stadium in January.
What is Chelsea vs Manchester City?
This is a Matchweek 33 fixture in the 2025-26 Premier League season. Chelsea and Manchester City is one of English football’s marquee fixtures, a rivalry that has intensified since City’s rise to domestic dominance under Pep Guardiola. The two clubs have met in major finals, including the 2021 Champions League final, and regularly contest matches that shape the league table. With City pursuing Arsenal for a seventh title in nine seasons and Chelsea battling to secure a top-four finish under new manager Liam Rosenior, the stakes are high for both sides.
When is Chelsea vs Manchester City?
The match takes place on Saturday 12 April 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 4:30pm BST (11:30am ET). As a televised fixture, the exact kick-off time is subject to confirmation by broadcasters, though the date is locked into the Premier League schedule.
Where is Chelsea vs Manchester City?
The match will be played at Stamford Bridge in Fulham, south-west London. Chelsea’s home since 1905, Stamford Bridge has a capacity of 40,341 and remains one of the Premier League’s most iconic grounds. The stadium is well served by public transport, with Fulham Broadway underground station on the District line just a short walk from the ground. Plans for a major redevelopment to increase capacity to around 60,000 have been discussed, though the current configuration remains in place for the 2025-26 season.
Key Contenders
Manchester City arrive in strong form as the league’s second-highest scorers with 60 goals from 31 matches. Erling Haaland has been the standout performer, netting 22 Premier League goals this season and becoming the fastest player to reach 100 Premier League goals in just 111 appearances, smashing Alan Shearer’s long-standing record. Around him, Pep Guardiola’s side have maintained the relentless consistency that has defined their era, losing just five league matches all season.
Chelsea’s campaign has been more turbulent. Enzo Maresca departed on New Year’s Day following a breakdown in relations with the club’s ownership, and Liam Rosenior was appointed on 6 January. Rosenior enjoyed a superb start, winning his first four league matches, but recent form has been poor: just one win in six Premier League outings, including a damaging 3-0 defeat to Everton. The Blues sit sixth on 48 points with a record of 13 wins, 9 draws, and 9 defeats.
Cole Palmer, the former City academy product, will be a player to watch. Palmer has nine Premier League goals this season, including a hat-trick against Wolverhampton Wanderers in February, and will relish the chance to impress against his old club. Joao Pedro leads Chelsea’s scoring charts with 14 goals, while Enzo Fernandez, who scored the late equaliser in the reverse fixture at the Etihad, has contributed eight goals from midfield.
How to Watch
In the United Kingdom, Premier League matches are broadcast live on Sky Sports and TNT Sports. This fixture is expected to be a featured Saturday evening match. Sky Sports packages start from around 22 pounds per month, with NOW TV offering day passes from 14.99 pounds. TNT Sports is available through Discovery+ from 30.99 pounds per month.
In the United States, NBC holds the exclusive rights to all 380 Premier League matches. Coverage is split between USA Network on linear television and Peacock for streaming, with subscriptions starting at $10.99 per month. Alternatives include Fubo, Sling TV, Hulu with Live TV, and YouTube TV for those wanting access to USA Network.
Internationally, beIN Sports covers the Premier League across the Middle East and parts of Asia, while SuperSport broadcasts in sub-Saharan Africa. Fans in India can watch on Star Sports and Disney+ Hotstar.
History and Records
Chelsea and Manchester City have met over 50 times in the Premier League. Historically, Chelsea hold the upper hand with 27 wins to City’s 16, along with 7 draws. However, City’s dominance under Guardiola has shifted the balance considerably in recent years. The reverse fixture this season ended 1-1 at the Etihad on 4 January, with Enzo Fernandez scoring a stoppage-time equaliser to cancel out Tijjani Reijnders’ first-half opener. No side has beaten Guardiola’s City more often in the Premier League than Chelsea, who have managed five victories since 2016-17. Both clubs hold the record for the biggest win in this fixture: each has won 6-0 against the other, City in 2018-19 and Chelsea in 2007-08.
Tickets and Attendance
Tickets for Premier League matches at Stamford Bridge are sold through Chelsea’s official website. As a Category A fixture, prices are at the higher end of the scale. The away allocation for Manchester City supporters has sold out, with only a small number of wheelchair-accessible spaces remaining. Hospitality packages are available through Chelsea’s official hospitality partner and typically start from several hundred pounds. Secondary market platforms such as SeatPick, Vivid Seats, and Football Host list tickets, though prices on resale sites can exceed 300 pounds for standard seats and over 900 pounds for premium positions.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Chelsea vs Manchester City kick off?
The match kicks off at 4:30pm BST on Saturday 12 April 2026 at Stamford Bridge, London.
Where is Chelsea vs Manchester City being played?
Stamford Bridge, Fulham, London, with a capacity of 40,341.
How can I watch Chelsea vs Manchester City?
In the UK, the match will be shown on Sky Sports or TNT Sports. In the US, coverage is available on NBC, USA Network, or Peacock.
What was the result last time these teams met?
Manchester City 1-1 Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on 4 January 2026. Tijjani Reijnders scored for City before Enzo Fernandez equalised in stoppage time.