Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini.
Manchester City travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday evening, and are desperate for a result to ensure they don’t allow clubs outside of the top-four to gain ground on them in the table.
City in form while Chelsea are spiralling
The Sky Blues are enjoying an upturn in form of late at a time where Chelsea appear to be struggling, so Manuel Pellegrini’s men may fancy their chances of taking advantage. City are coming off the back of an impressive midweek win in the Champions League too, so they will be buoyant going into Saturday’s meeting with the Premier League holders.
Manchester City are fourth in the Premier League table with 57 points 32 games this season, and while having put in a measly title challenge, they are in better shape to finish the campaign much better than they’ve performed for the majority of it. Pellegrini’s side are boasting consecutive wins in the division for the first time since October, and have lost just once in their last seven away games.
Chelsea have nothing to play for
As for Chelsea, the 2014/15 champions are 10th in the Premier League with 44 points from 32 games. They have looked off the boil in recent weeks, winning just once of their last four outings, and have struggled throughout the season on home soil. Ahead of their weekend clash with Manchester City, Chelsea have won just one of their last seven games at Stamford Bridge.
They lost to City in the reverse fixture earlier this season too, and are likely to rest a number of first-team players to allow the younger crop a chance to impress. City are only four points clear of fifth place with 18 points still on the line so they can’t take any chances with their team selection. Chelsea have nothing but pride to play for now, so it’s hard to see them overly motivated to perform even with home advantage.
Manchester City have to deliver European football with manager Pep Guardiola set to take over in the summer so they have plenty still to fight for. They want to keep fierce rivals Manchester United out of the top-four, while pushing third-placed Arsenal – who are just two points ahead of them in the table – all the way in a race for a top-three spot. As a result, Chelsea could be in trouble. Manchester City are 7/4 to win against Chelsea on Saturday evening, but can they deliver?
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
