Match Preview: Chelsea vs Manchester City

Posted on September 24, 2021 by Chidozie M

Who Else Sees The Rain of Fireworks at Stamford Bridge?

How Agog will the Bridge be? Who will be Victorious?

The above phrases are revealing of what the atmosphere and serenity will depict when the duel between two EPL giants, first position, Chelsea and League title champions, Manchester City unfolds.

The emphatic demolition of Tottenham by Thomas Tuchel’s troops in their last visit to the New White Hart Lane have shown that they are hungriest for this season’s league title as well as other European titles. To-date, they haven’t lost any match since the 2021/2022 season. Two draws only. One, each in the EPL and EFL.

Conversely, Guardiola’s men have lost away to Tottenham and recently were mesmerized at home as evident from their last league match with Southampton, who are currently in the bottom ten but unleashed an undeniably incredible form against the “Sky Blue” troops last weekend at the Etihad. This gives fans and bettors alike the sensation that Stamford Bridge will be agog with shouts of victory at the sound of the (90+x) minutes final whistle…that “x” minutes is very crucial too!

Perhaps, their disgracing or dismembering of the League One side, Wycombe, in the third round of the Carabao cup game (6-1, actually spells WYCOMBE- 7 Letter word) may have dressed or sealed some wounds or bruises and cut them some slack, but considering they are away to these crop of fiery “Blues” is no feather in their presumed wizardry hats.

Head 2 Head Comparison

Out of a total of 49 H2H meetings in the last 20 years, Chelsea has won a total of 27 matches (H 16, A 11) and Manchester City, a total of 17 matches(H 9, A 8) with 5 Draws.

Manchester City Form

In their last 7 matches since the 2021/2022 season started, Guardiola’s men have had a very good run with only one loss to Tottenham, a draw with Southampton and incredible wins against Arsenal and Norwich with 5-0 score line per match. Their home form is top notch so far this season when compared their away form.

Manchester City Team Injuries

Gundogan and Rodri may not be playing because they both have a Knock. Goalkeeper, Zackary Steffen won’t be on as he developed an illness after his Wycombe appearance. Defenders, Aymeric Laporte has a groin injury and Benjamin Mendy is still on suspension.

Chelsea Form

Since this season started, Chelsea has won all their away matches and drawn just one with Liverpool. Their home form is superb with wins averaging 2.5 goals. The Blues are really excited about this encounter.

Chelsea Team Injuries

Midfielder Christian Pulisic and Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy are likely going to be ruled out due to ankle and hip injuries respectively.

Players to Watch

Manchester City forward, Ferran Torres, already has 3 goals and 1 assist to his name in all competitions since the season started and should he start will give the Blues some rocky surface.

Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku has scored 3 goals so far with no assists in the PL and would want to put at least a goal in City’s net. In the same vein, Matteo Kovacic who has contributed a goal and two assists in his last two PL starts shouldn’t be underrated in the midfield.

Author’s Bet Prediction

Based on the above preview, and because none of the last 12 PL Head 2 Head encounters have ended in a draw, I am backing a Home win for the “Blues” and Both teams to score at full time (1 + GG).