Chelsea play Manchester City in the late Saturday fixture in Premier League, Round 13. City were through and through beaten by a scoreline of 3-1 in their match against rivals Liverpool last time out, a result which leaves them 4th in the League table behind Saturday’s opponents Chelsea and Leicester City.
Defensive frailties in the form of injuries to first choice keeper Ederson and Centre half Ayemeric Laporte has opened up big cracks in the spine which has already been lacking Vincent Kompany’s effective leadership. They will need to beat Chelsea to get their title race back on track and keep pressure on leaders Liverpool.
The Blues on their side are on rampage mode with 6 victories on the trot in the league and a comfortable position in the UEFA Champions League table. Their last match in the league was a 2-0 success away at home to Crystal Palace.
Putting some retrospective light on events, it seems Frank Lampard’s appointment and the transfer ban has fared really well for the side and it’s young squad. The likes of Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount and Christian Pulisic have shone quite brightly and have heavily involved in both scoring and providing goals. N’golo Kante’s recent injury concerns are over and the Frenchman is ready to go another season to provide much needed cover for the back line.
Chelsea’s top 4 ambitions will be put to sword vs Manchester City and recent results mean that they do have an equal hand in the game on Saturday.
PREDICTED LINE-UPS:
Manchester City have no room for error after falling 9 points off league leaders Liverpool.
Sergio Aguero needs to hit the ground running once again after a poor showing against the Reds. He managed to score against Uruguay in the international break.
Kevin De Bruyne, who scored quite a magnificent strike in the fixture in the 17-18 season, also needs to try and dominate the midfield to create space for the Argentine Legend to score. David Silva’s availability depends entirely on the fitness test and Manager Pep Guardiola might start the Spanish maestro to open up the resolute Chelsea defence.
Fernandinho and John Stones are expected to continue in the Centre half spots. Angelino played a wonderful game despite defeat at Anfield, will line up at the left back position. Bernardo Silva is suspended for the tie.
Predicted Line-Ups:
Ederson, Angelino, Fernandinho (C), Stones, Walker, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Silva, Aguero, Sterling, Mahrez 4-3-3
Chelsea’s defensive has been one of their plus points this season. Captain Cesar Azpilucueta did have some early season jittery moments but his composure and experience is very important to the back line. Antonio Rudiger is still on the sidelines and missed the tie. N’golo Kante and Jorginho have their tasks cut out to stop the playmaking duo of De Bruyne and David Silva.
Tammy Abraham is expected to be named in the team sheet and so is Brazilian Willian, who needs to inject creativity down the right channel. Christian Pulisic has been in terrific form in the league with 5 goals in the last 3 outings.
Predicted Line-Ups:
Kepa, Azpilicueta (C), Tomori, Zouma, Emerson, Kante, Jorginho, Mount, Willian, Pulisic, Abraham. 4-2-3-1
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester (55097)
English Premier League, Round 13
Time: 17:30 GMT, Saturday
