Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
In what is a heavyweight Premier League showdown on Saturday evening, Manchester City will welcome Chelsea to the Etihad.
Manchester City
Starting with the hosts, suffering another public collapse earlier in the week, Manchester City once again have a tremendous amount of pressure on their shoulders here. Throwing away at two-goal lead over in Paris on Wednesday night as they eventually fell to an action-packed 4-2 loss, Pep Guardiola’s men could show some real signs of a hangover here. Crashing back down to earth in midweek and with their Champions League dreams taking a major dent, the former Barcelona boss has seen his squad gain a reputation for their glaring defensive issues. Despite storming their way to a 6-0 romp away at relegation scrappers Ipswich last weekend, Man City have recorded just a pair of clean sheets against top-flight opposition since a 3-0 romp against Nottingham Forest on December 4th. Despite landing a 2-0 victory when they travelled to Stamford Bridge on the opening weekend, Guardiola’s side will face a stern examination here.
Manchester City Team News
Not expected to feature of the remainder of the season, midfield talisman Rodri remains on the sidelines with a long-term knee injury. Likewise, missing out away at PSG on Wednesday night with a muscle issue, Dutch defender Nathan Ake remains a major doubt this weekend.
Bagging what turned out to be a consolation strike in midweek and now notching five goals in as many appearances across all competitions, Erling Haaland will lead the line here. England international John Stones could make a first start since December 21st.
Chelsea
As for the visitors, claiming what was a much-welcomed Premier League boost on Monday night, Chelsea will be looking to use that performance as a platform to build on. Eventually cruising their way to a 3-1 victory against relegation scrappers Wolves, Enzo Maresca’s men have found a route back into the Champions League spots. Finally drawing a line under their five-match winless run, the former Leicester manager will be calling on his squad to find some crucial defensive steel. Signing off 2024 with a shock 2-0 loss away at Ipswich, Saturday’s guests have recorded just a single clean sheet from any of their last nine Premier League appearances – a run that stems back to a 3-0 romp against Aston Villa on December 1st. Likewise, mustering just a sole domestic clean sheet away from Stamford Bridge over the past four months, Chelsea’s leaky defence could be asked some real questions here.
Chelsea Team News
All still dealing with respective injury issues, Chelsea will once again be without the likes of Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia, Levi Colwill and French defender Wesley Fofana. However, making a first Premier League start since the start of November on Monday night, skipper Reece James will keep his spot at right-back.
Making an immediate impact after being recalled from his loan spell with Crystal Palace, Trevor Chalobah will start at the heart of Chelsea’s defence. Already notching 14 Premier League goals so far this season, former Manchester City starlet Cole Palmer will play a leading role at the Etihad.
Manchester City vs Chelsea Key Factors to Consider
- When Manchester City and Chelsea met for their reverse Premier League meeting on August 18th, Saturday’s hosts collected a 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge.
- In fact, Man City are unbeaten in each of their previous 10 consecutive meetings against Chelsea across all competitions.
- Chelsea have not recorded a single Premier League victory at the Etihad since May 2021.
- Manchester City have recorded just a single clean sheet in their previous five Premier League matchups at the Etihad.
- Chelsea have have recorded just a single clean sheet from any of their last nine Premier League appearances.
Conclusion
Suffering another infamous collapse earlier in the week as they eventually fell to a 4-2 loss in Paris, Manchester City could show some real signs of a hangover here. Continuing to show some extended defensive issues, Guardiola’s side should have another stern examination on their hands at the Etihad. Despite claiming a 2-0 win when they travelled to Stamford Bridge on the opening weekend, the Sky Blues could be asked some real questions on Saturday evening.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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