Prediction: Manchester City to win and both teams to score
Odds: 11/5
Bookmaker: Bet365
A titanic clash is in the offing on Sunday afternoon as champions elect Manchester City welcome reigning champions Chelsea to the Etihad Stadium.
There will be differing targets for the two teams coming into the match. Pep Guardiola’s men will be looking to continue their relentless pursuit of the Premier League crown, whilst Antonio Conte’s Blues will hope to regain their position in the Champions League places at the expense of Tottenham Hotspur.
Manchester City
As if Manchester City’s season could not be going any more perfect, the Citizens return to the Etihad Stadium with a trophy in hand. Guardiola’s team secured the first silverware of the new season last week by beating Arsenal 3-0 in the Carabao Cup final. They will continue their hunt for more as they look to earn another Premier League victory following another 3-0 thumping of the Gunners on Thursday night.
That win not only extended their lead at the top of the league table to an ominous 16 points but also made sure that the Sky Blues had netted three or more goals in six out of their last seven matches in league action. It is their home form however that has been huge in them amounting such an unassailable lead. Guardiola’s men are undefeated in their last 36 games at the Etihad Stadium, including winning their last 13 games in succession on home soil – something that they have not managed since the 2011-12 season.
Team News
Kyle Walker could be a major doubt for the visit of Chelsea after limping off at the Emirates last time out. Midfielder Fernandinho has also been ruled out with a hamstring injury. Raheem Sterling though could make his return to action after missing the victory against the Gunners. Long-term absentee Benjamin Mendy remains on the injury table.
Chelsea
Chelsea’s defence of the Premier League crown has been insipid, it is fair to say. Conte’s men currently sit in fifth, a huge 22 points behind this weekend’s opponents. Whilst the Blues boast a respectable defensive record, having only conceded 25 goals throughout the season, it is their scoring record that has let them down so far. Chelsea have only scored 50 goals this season – the worst in the top six and a huge reason why they currently sit outside of the Champions League places.
The reigning champions have only won one out of their last four games in the Premier League, losing three of those. Their last league win away from the confines of Stamford Bridge came in the form of a 4-0 thumping of Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium back in January. As a matter of fact, Chelsea have not managed to notch back-to-back league victories since November.
Team News
Chelsea have numerous first-tem players confined to the sidelines for their trip to the Etihad. Ethan Ampadu, Tiémoué Bakayoko and David Luiz have all been ruled out for the game. However, Ross Barkley could return to action following a stop-start opening to his Chelsea career.
Key Facts To Consider
- Manchester City won the reverse game 1-0 at Stamford Bridge
- Chelsea boast the better all-time record between the two (W66, D39, L53)
- The Blues have only won two out of their last nine game at the Etihad Stadium
- Eden Hazard has scored four goals in his last five game against Manchester City
- Manchester City have not failed to score against Chelsea in over four years
Conclusion
Whilst still not a title-deciding match that most would have been expecting towards the start of the season, a fantastic match of football should still be served up.
Manchester City’s form and imperious position should tip the balance in their favour. Chelsea should however be a good bet to find the back of the net, and fans should be keeping an eye on Eden Hazard.
Prediction: Manchester City to win and both teams to score
Odds: 11/5
Bookmaker: Bet365
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