Manchester City-Chelsea is a match of the twenty-fifth day of the Premier League and is played on Saturday at 6:30pm: live TV, probable formations, predictions.
Manchester City and Chelsea face each other again three months apart. It was Nov. 12 when Cityzens and Blues fought it out at Stamford Bridge in one of the most exciting and spectacular matches of this Premier League, which ended in a pyrotechnic 4-4 draw. Ironically, it was Cole Palmer, the young talent who grew up in City’s “cantera” – and who clamored for a transfer in the summer with the aim of finding more space – who reeled in his former team in full recovery on a penalty kick.
Three months later, Pep Guardiola’s men and Mauricio Pochettino’s men are still fighting for different goals, which is why it’s risky to talk about a big match. Manchester City after a moment of fatigue is back on a brisk run: last Tuesday in the Champions League, the reigning champions of England and Europe brought home yet another victory, their 11th consecutive in all competitions, mortgaging qualification to the quarterfinals thanks to their success (1-3) at home to Copenhagen. A result that was perhaps a bit of a lie, as the Danes kept the game in the balance until the very end, and that is until Foden’s goal in the second half that sealed the deal for good. Now the Cityzens will turn their focus back to the league, where they are second in the standings, paired with Arsenal (52 points for both) and -2 from leading Liverpool.
Blues, signs of recovery
In fact, compared to the Gunners and Reds, City has played one less game, which it must make up next week against Brentford. Before the challenge with the Bees, however, the Blues arrive at Etihad Stadium.
Chelsea, as we know, does not participate in any European competition and the risk of them staying out of everything next year is very high. The Londoners are currently tenth, far behind the teams that are fighting for Europe. The Argentine coach remains “clinging” to the domestic cups: in the FA Cup the Blues recently passed the round by going to win at home of Aston Villa, while as for the League Cup at the end of the month they will compete for the trophy in the Wembley final with Liverpool. Chelsea is in any case back from a good performance, offered last Monday in the derby with Crystal Palace (1-3). Meanwhile, the list of injuries is getting longer: neither Thiago Silva nor Badiashile will be there against City.
The prediction
The Etihad is a real fortress: in its stadium City has never lost in its last 22 Premier League matches. Guardiola’s defense, however, is by no means impregnable; in fact, it has conceded at least one goal in 11 of the last 13 league games. Therefore, another prolific match is conceivable, in which Chelsea will also manage to score at least one goal. Cityzens, in any case, favored for victory.
The probable lineups of Manchester City-Chelsea
MANCHESTER CITY (3-2-4-1): Ederson; Walker, Ruben Dias, Aké; Stones, Rodri; Bernardo Silva, De Bruyne, Alvarez, Foden; Haaland.
CHELSEA (4-2-3-1): Petrovic; Malo Gusto, Disasi, Colwill, Chilwell; Enzo Fernandez, Caicedo; Palmer, Gallagher, Jackson; Nkunku.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 3-1
