Introduction
This clash is a game that both Manchester city, as well as Chelsea, would want to win. Chelsea has had a poor run of form of late. While Manchester City, despite having games in hand, finds itself in a bad position on the table.
Build Up
Surely, Guardiola will be keen to get a much-needed result at Stamford Bridge but Frank Lampard has history on his side. The city has lost 26 games to Chelsea in the premier league so far. The team has managed to beat City more number of times. To add insult to injury City have a less than perfect squad going into this away game. After a recent round of test results, City finds themselves without at least 5 key players for this fixture. If there is a team that can still get a result despite having these many players out of their squad then it is Manchester City. This bench has often been praised by many and it is now time to see if they can do what everyone knows they are capable of.
Head to Head
In their last 14 home games Chelsea have only lost once to Liverpool. All in all, in the 46 games these two teams have played against each other, Chelsea has won this fixture 23 times while City closely follows with 18 wins. Only 5 games have been drawn.
Chelsea form guide:
L-L-W-L-D
Manchester City form guide:
D-D-W-W-W
Team News
Chelsea
It will be interesting to see who starts upfront for Chelsea as Giroud has been stellar so far this season while Werner has largely disappointed. Are expected to start with a good team and will certainly have the advantage going into the fixture. A win on Sunday for Chelsea will mean a top 4 position and they will be keen to snatch the win against a slightly weekend city side.
Lampard will stick to his go-to 4-3-3 formation with Backline being constant as usually apart from Fightback position. At Right-back since James is injured Azpilicueta is all set for his 400th appearance for the club. The rest of all defense being the same of Chilwell at Left back and Center-back pairing of Zouma and Silva with Mendy in goal. In midfield, 2 spots out of 3 are taken by Mount and Kante respectively. Now for that third spot, there are 3 contenders, returning Ziyech, out of form Havertz, and usually one Kovacic. it highly looks like Kovacic will get the nod ahead of others too. In attack, Pulisic is a certain starter, and either it will be Giroud and Werner or and Werner and Tammy Abraham.
Manchester City
After the recent test results (Covid-19), City has 5 players sidelined for this result. It will affect them not only on the ground but also mentally as the players have seen a lot in the last few days. After their game against Everton was called off, many expected this fixture to also fall. Regardless, City will be without their main goalkeeper Ederson, center-forward Gabriel Jesus, and right-back Kyle Walker. These are just a few of the names that will be missing on Sunday.
It’s going to tough for predicting Manchester city playing 11. thus we are suggesting 2 different formations that Pep can go with
1st- 4-3-3
2nd- 4-2-3-1
Players to watch out for –
Chelsea
Mendy
Chelsea’s decision to buy Mendy earlier this summer might just be one of their best signings. The Senegalese shot-stopper has barely made a mistake and should certainly be a huge contributor considering the massive number of shots City plan to take.
Chilwell
One of the most underrated left-backs in the league, this ex Leicester player is capable of attacking, holding, and defending. Pep desperately wanted Chilwell to join City not too long ago and we will surely see what the young Left Back brings to the game.
Manchester City
Aguero
Perhaps a controversial call. Aguero hasn’t been back to his goalscoring ways ever since he has returned from injury. Despite that, anyone who has known him for any period of time should know that the Argentine can burst onto the scene almost at will. Should he shine on Sunday, it might not matter how many players City does or does not have to play.
Kevin De Bruyne
De Bruyne has been consistent and effective. That may not seem like much but there are not many players who promise a good game every time they play and the Belgian certainly gives his best. The news about Bruno has shadowed his prowess this season but he is not far away from his best.
Conclusion
All in all, this will definitely be the game of the weekend. Both teams definitely want a win. To assert their competence for the premier league this year, they’ll want to showcase the prowess. With Liverpool having faltered on the top now, the premier league race is closer than ever. With or without injuries or players ruled out, this is a game that will certainly have excitement, perils, and a lot of goals (2.46 per game so far)
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