MANCHESTER CITY vs CHELSEA PREVIEW

INTRODUCTION

Manchester City host Chelsea at the Etihad. This weekend, we have one of the most exciting matches in the PL, (how the recent events have been unfolded). The race for the top 4 is wide open after Leicester City dropped points against Newcastle last night. The confidence of both teams will be a notch higher, after qualifying for the final in Istanbul. Tuchel will meet Pep Guardiola for the first time in a PL clash. However, Chelsea beat City in an all-important FA Cup Semi-Final clash last month. 

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WHY TO WATCH

 It seems so surreal if you are a supporter of either of these teams. Isn’t it? Some say that this will be a trial run for the UCL Final. A PL Big 6 clash is all you need to rest easy and spend your Saturday night. Two tactical masterminds will be at work for 90 minutes, as they try to make the most of this match. Manchester City wins the Premier League title if they win all three points. While a win for Chelsea will take them above Leicester. Is it too much to ask for? 

RECENT FORM

Manchester City has had a good run of games, after that unexpected blemish against Leeds United. FA Cup semi-final was a knock-out tie, and you don’t blame a team for losing. But beating Dortmund and PSG in the last 8 and last 4 respectively, Pep Guardiola will be cruising ahead with confidence. 

Thomas Tuchel has had an impressive start at the Chelsea Football Club. He has lost only two of his 24 games in charge. 2-5 loss against WBA was at the nadir of the curve. Knowing that the FA Cup Semi-Final tie has no bearing on this fixture, he will want to keep his victorious run going. Beating West Ham recently has given them a major boost in the top 4 race. 

FORM GUIDE

MANCHESTER CITY

PL: (WWLWW)

ALL COMPETITIONS: (WWWWW)

CHELSEA

PL: (LWDWW)

ALL COMPETITIONS: (DWDWW)

PREDICTED LINEUPS 

MANCHESTER CITY

(4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Ederson

Defenders: Cancelo, Dias, Stones, Zinchenko

Midfielders: De Bruyne, Rodri, Gundogan

Attackers: Mahrez, Foden, Torres

CHELSEA

(3-4-2-1)

 (Kovacic remains out)

Goalkeeper: Mendy

Defenders: Azpilicueta, Zouma, Rudiger

Midfielders: Reece, Kante, Jorginho, Chilwell

Attackers: Pulisic, Ziyech, Mount

Head To Head

Saturday’s game represents the 168th meeting between Man City and Chelsea in all competitions, with the former boasting 59 wins compared to Chelsea’s 69.

Not since January 2015 has a Premier League clash between City and Chelsea ended with the points shared, but the capital outfit has conceded nine and scored just one in their last three meetings to the Etihad – all of which ended in defeat.

PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR

MANCHESTER CITY

KEVIN DE BRUYNE:

The former Chelsea man has a terrific record against the blues. He has been In good form lately and will be looking to win his third PL title with Man City against his former club. Kevin has always been the talisman of this star-studded Manchester City squad. I would not be surprised if takes the cup home, solely by some individual heroics such as scoring a match-winning set-piece. 

RIYAD MAHREZ

It will be criminal not to include Mahrez’s name on this list, given the form he is in. The Algerian seems to have become the gaffer’s favorite in the recent weeks. He has duly delivered whenever called upon. One of the major reasons for Man City’s impressive UCL run is Riyad Mahrez, and he will be hoping to continue his stellar run of performances in the Premier League as well.

CHELSEA

CHRISTIAN PULISIC:

Christian Pulisic has some good memories from last season when playing against Manchester’s Blue. Reports are that the solo goal last season, still gives Benjamin Mendy, nightmares. The American in a recent interview quoted, “I am frustrated that I have to prove myself to the managers over and over again”. He is not happy with the game time he is getting. Should he start, he will be rooting to put on a show for his team, and help them win the much-needed three points. 

N’GOLO KANTE

N’golo Kante has been pretty impressive for the blues in their recent UCL games, bagging two MOTM awards against Real Madrid. Such is the influence of this man. You will find him next to you, always. Check out! Beware of Kante, he could frustrate you. If Chelsea is to win against Manchester City, the Frenchman needs to offer his best game on the table. His attacking prowess has been improved under Tuchel. His interceptions and tackles higher up the pitch are why Chelsea is a threat on the counter.

CONCLUSION

A goal-fest? Or minimum goals? Whatever be it, we are up for a tactical battle tonight. Both teams might look to tweak their line-ups and bring in some fresh legs. Is City winning the title, or is Chelsea cementing its place into the top 4? Let’s wait for the night, hope for the best, and enjoy the saga. 

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