Football fans are set for a Premier League spectacle this weekend as Manchester City welcome Chelsea to the Etihad Stadium in a crucial Sunday encounter. The match pits a title-chasing City side against a Chelsea team in a state of flux following a recent managerial change.
When and Where to Watch the Etihad Showdown
The highly anticipated fixture is scheduled for an unusual 5.30pm kick-off on Sunday, January 4. This timing is a deliberate shift from the standard 4.30pm slot for televised Sunday games.
Live television coverage in the UK will be exclusively on Sky Sports. The broadcast begins at 5pm on both Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League channels, giving viewers a thirty-minute build-up before the action starts.
Live Streaming and Alternative Viewing Options
For those who prefer to stream the match, several options are available. Subscribers to Sky Sports can use the Sky Go app to watch live on compatible devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
If you don't have a Sky Sports subscription, you can still access the game via the NOW streaming service. Sky-owned NOW offers flexible daily or monthly passes, providing a convenient pay-as-you-watch solution for this standalone fixture.
Radio listeners can follow the action with full live commentary on BBC Radio Five Live. Alternatively, talkSPORT will provide regular updates and analysis throughout the match.
Why the Unusual Schedule and Post-Match Coverage
The later 5.30pm start time was implemented to avoid a direct clash with the four Premier League matches kicking off at 3pm on the same day, which are also being shown by Sky Sports. Furthermore, both clubs played fixtures on New Year's Day, and the Sunday slot ensures players have at least two full days for recovery between games.
After the final whistle, highlights will be readily available. Key moments and goals will be uploaded to the Sky Sports YouTube channel shortly after the game concludes. For more comprehensive analysis, BBC One's Match of the Day programme will air at 10.30pm, featuring extended highlights and expert punditry.
This match promises significant implications for the Premier League table, with Manchester City aiming to maintain pressure at the summit while a managerless Chelsea seeks a statement result to stabilise their campaign.
