Manchester City vs Chelsea preview – a case for Chelsea
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This is one of the biggest matches of the weekend, not only in the Premier League but the whole of European football. At the start of the season, many predicted it would be Manchester City leading the way at the top of the Premier League. Following Chelsea’s shambolic display at Arsenal at the end of September, nobody would have predicted Antonio Conte would be taking his team to the Etihad Stadium as league leaders. It’s a match which has several intriguing prospects.
Chelsea are on a seven-match winning streak in the Premier League and based on that, why would Conte change his starting XI? Manchester City are going to have much of the possession in this game which means Pedro and Eden Hazard will face long spells without seeing the ball. This could lead to a change and perhaps Willian will come in for Pedro, with the Brazilian providing a better link between defence and attack. Willian has proven to be a player who is willing to get back and work hard for the team, which could be crucial this weekend. In addition, he is very good from deadball situations and this could present Chelsea with one of their best chances to score a goal.
One glance at the trends leading into this game sees Manchester City defending a 14 match unbeaten run at home in all competitions. However, a closer look at the stats reveals Manchester City have failed to win their last three home Premier League matches. They have been held to a 1-1 draw by Everton, Southampton and Middlesbrough. Based on this, Chelsea should have nothing to fear going to the Etihad. The Blues have won their last three away matches in the Premier League, scoring five goals and conceding none. Chelsea are clearly the form team yet the bookmakers fancy Manchester City. Why is that the case?
Manchester City’s recent record at home against the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool is not good. In fact, City have failed to defeat any of these teams in their last meeting with them at home, drawing with Arsenal and losing to the remaining three.
The only thing in Manchester City’s favour, is their recent dominance over Chelsea in the Premier League. They are undefeated in the last four meetings with Chelsea, winning both of last season’s games 3-0 and drawing both the season before 1-1. However, with two new managers in charge, will this play a big part in proceedings? Some of the Chelsea players may have bad memories of the matches last season but they are in such good form at present, there shouldn’t be any negative emotions coming through.
Pep Guardiola has had a full week to prepare for this match but there are unlikely to be any big surprises. The Spaniard will want City to play out from the back and keep possession of the football. There is no doubt they have the attacking talent to score goals but it is at the back where the problems begin. There is not one defender in the Manchester City squad who you can look at and feel confident they are going to have a solid match. City have kept one clean sheet at home in the Premier League this season and this will be the first time they face anyone from the current top six teams at home.
Despite what the common consensus may be in the media and at the bookies, based on the evidence above, should Chelsea be considered as the favourites for this match?
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