Chelsea’s Jose Mourinho will go head-to-head with Manchester City’s Manuel Pellegrini at Stamford Bridge later today
Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City visit league leaders Chelsea in the Premier League late kick-off on Saturday.
The Citizens will kick off the game five points behind the Blues in the league table.
Pivotal
The top of the table clash could be a pivotal game in the race for the Premier League title.
Both teams will be looking not to lose it, but a victory for either side could change the complexion of the seemingly two-horse title race.
History
These two teams have been in similar positions before in recent history. In fact Chelsea have thrown away big leads at the top of the table, including last season when the Blues were seven points clear at the top of the league.
They have also blown leads in previous seasons, but the current Blues team look like they are determined to hold on to their current position.
Manchester City also have a history of having to chase teams above them. City have claimed the Premier League title twice and on both occasions have had to bridge big gaps on their rivals.
Last season it looked like Liverpool were going to seal the Premier League title, but Manuel Pellegrini’s side never gave up and claimed the crown.
Crucial
One of the most crucial factors in this clash could be the absence of Chelsea’s Spanish duo Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas. The Blue’s top scorer Diego Costa was handed a three-game ban for violent conduct on Friday.
The 26-year-old has found the net 17 times in the Premier League this season and has been one of the stars of the English top-flight this season. The fiery striker always seems to play the game on the edge and he stepped over that edge at Liverpool with a stamp on Reds defender Emre Can.
His goals for the Blues have made all the difference to Mourinho’s team this season. He is the striker that they were missing so badly last season, but he has a habit of self-destructing and that happened against Liverpool on Tuesday night.
Chelsea are likely to start the City game with veteran striker Didier Drogba up front, who while once a great striker is not quite the same force he once was and City will be glad that Costa will not be making an appearance.
Costa’s international teammate Cesc Fabregas is a major doubt for the clash with a hamstring injury. The former-Barcelona midfielder star has been the master-assister this season in the Premier League creating a very creditable 15 top-flight goals.
The pair has the sort of quality that is vital in games like this and both are match-winners, in different ways. If Chelsea starts the game without the pair then City will fancy their chances of grabbing a victory at Stamford Bridge.
Lose
This game is one that neither side will want to lose. Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho tends to have a knack of knowing when to be pragmatic and this game could be one of those occasions. City boss Pellegrini definitely prefers his team to attack than defend, but will likely err on the side of caution in this clash.
Difficult
If Chelsea do indeed claim a win then it will be very difficult for Manchester City to reclaim their title this season. The Blues have looked like they mean business this season and Mourinho is unlikely to allow his team to lose their nerve or concentration until the end of the season.
Last weekend’s 4-2 FA Cup defeat by Bradford displayed that the Blues, albeit a weakened Chelsea team can be defeated at Stamford Bridge, although the Blues have won their last ten Premier League games at home.
Betting Odds
This game could go either way and could hold the key to the rest of the Premier League campaign. Whatever happens in the game is sure to provide drama and intrigue, unfortunately the fear of losing may not make this the most entertaining encounter.
Who will come out on top between the Premier League’s top two?
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
