It’s a real top-of-the-league six-pointer in Manchester this Saturday, as Chelsea must win against the megastars of Manchester City, to have any chance of lifting the Premier League trophy!
First in the English Premier League (EPL), plays second on Saturday, as Manchester City play host to nearest challengers, Chelsea, at the Etihad Stadium for the early kickoff.
Pep Guardiola’s men currently sit 10 points clear of their upcoming opponents in the EPL table, and another defeat for the Blues would render their title challenge virtually impossible.
Guardiola’s relentless outfit have dispatched the opposition in each of their last seven games at home, across all competitions, including all of their last five in the EPL. Without a recognised striker for much of the campaign, City have still racked up an average of more than three goals per top-flight encounter at the Etihad!
Chelsea have an opportunity for glory against either Liverpool or Arsenal next month in the EFL Cup final. Keeping their diminishing title hopes alive is, however, currently the main focus for Thomas Tuchel’s side, who are in danger of falling 13 points adrift of City, with defeat in this Saturday’s clash at the Etihad.
Manchester City are still heavily affected by a COVID-19 outbreak, and Phil Foden and Olexandr Zinchenko are amongst those rumoured to have been exposed. Defender, John Stones, is apparently close to a return, following an injury, but Riyad Mahrez is in Cameroon with Algeria for AFCON, so won’t feature.
For Chelsea, Malang Sarr looked self-assured again on the left side of the backline in midweek, but the Frenchman may have to stand aside for Marcos Alonso here. Meanwhile, Kai Havertz will be making his case for a recall in attack, over Timo Werner.
Our prediction for this one is 4-2 to City. Expect Guardiola’s men to win both halves!
Manchester City possible starting XI:
Ederson; Walker, Dias, Laporte, Cancelo; Gündoğan, Rodri, De Bruyne; Silva, Jesus, Foden
Chelsea possible starting XI:
Kepa; Christensen, Silva, Rudiger; Azpilicueta, Jorginho, Kovačić, Alonso; Mount, Havertz; Lukaku
