Big Match Breakdown: Chelsea v Manchester City
Published:
The title contenders meet in West London
Saturday evening brings one of the biggest games of the Premier League season so far as Chelsea host Manchester City.
Clashes between the top six could go a long way to determining where the title ends up at the end of the season. A Chelsea win would take them level with league leaders City.
It’s shaping up to be spectacular and the Coral News Team are here with all the key info ahead of the game.
Head to Head
Chelsea won both league games against City last season. However, the Blues had only a single game of the six previous meetings before the two clubs.
Both teams come into this in very good form. Chelsea came from behind to beat Atletico Madrid on Wednesday. They’ve now won six of their last seven games in all competitions.
City’s 1-1 draw with Everton in August is the only game they’ve dropped points in so far this term. Pep Guardiola’s side look fearsome going forward – they’ve got 16 goals in their last three league games.
The Likely XIs
David Luiz is suspended for the Blues, which opens the door for Antonio Rudiger in defence.
Cesc Fabregas is likely to lose his place as defensive organisation will be key against City. The visitors are arguably the best in the league at moving the ball around.
Chelsea’s midweek exertions could also see Davide Zappacosta come in for Victor Moses on the right flank.
Sergio Aguero’s rib injury means Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling could start on either side of Gabriel Jesus.
In defence, Fabian Delph has filled in recently at left-back. But Delph isn’t a natural defender and could be exposed by quality opposition. Danilo is the safer choice.
Key Battles
Despite being at home, Chelsea are likely to spend most of the match without the ball.
N’Golo Kante and Tiemoue Bakayoko will need to ensure that Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva are kept away from areas where they can cause real damage.
The wing-backs also need to ensure they don’t leave space for Sane and Sterling to exploit.
Going forward, Eden Hazard will provide much of the creativity for the Blues. His return to fitness gives them a huge threat on the counter.
City’s defence isn’t particularly convincing and they could find it hard to handle the speed and movement of Chelsea’s front three.
Match Odds
Aguero’s injury has tipped the odds in Chelsea’s favour. The Blues are 6/4 favourites, with City at 33/20. The draw is 12/5.
There have been at least three goals in the last five meetings between these two, so there’s value in Chelsea and Over 2.5 Goals at 11/4.
In the Scorer Markets, Alvaro Morata is tempting at 13/10 to score Anytime. He’s in red hot form with four goals in his last two appearances.
On the other side, Jesus is City’s biggest goal threat in Aguero’s absence. He’s 7/2 to be First Scorer.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
