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Two of the English Premier League’s heavyweights clash in a blockbuster clash this Saturday, as Chelsea travel to title rivals Manchester City. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 11:30pm (AEDT).
Both teams come into this game following a solid run of results.
The return of Yaya Toure has powered Manchester City to morale-boosting victories away at Crystal Palace and Burnley, although their home form has been somewhat less impressive, with draws against Middlesborough, Southampton and Everton in their last three outings at the City of Manchester stadium – despite dominating each match.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s upturn in form under Antonio Conte shows no signs of slowing. Crushing victories against Southampton and Everton were followed up by hard-fought wins away at Middlesborough and at home against London rivals Tottenham.
They have conceded just one goal in their last seven Premier League hit-outs, and boast the joint-best defensive record across all four English leagues.
Manchester City completed the double over Chelsea last season, however the last clash was a largely insipid affair watched over by the outgoing Manuel Pellegrini and Guus Hiddink. A notable date on the Premier League calendar since the arrival of foreign investment for these two sides, this will be the most hotly contested match-up in recent memory.
Captain and centre-back Vincent Kompany is injured for Manchester City, ruled out once again for the next four to six weeks with a knee complaint.
Chelsea have a comparatively clean bill of health, with a question mark only over captain John Terry, who in any case has been forced to watch his side’s impressive recent run from the bench.
The key for City will be turning their expected possession into meaningful chances and breaking through Chelsea’s watertight defensive shape. Sergio Aguero has been in typically hot form for the Citizens, equal with Diego Costa at the top of the Premier League goalscoring charts with ten goals. His record of one goal every 92 minutes on the park (you do the maths) is daunting for any defence, while stand-in captain Fernandinho will be vital in breaking up Chelsea’s incisive counter attacks.
With the success of Conte’s side catalysed by a shift to a five-man backline, Victor Moses has emerged as an explosive outlet down the right flank. Expect him to cause problems down the seemingly fragile Manchester left side. Building on a stable defensive foundation, Chelsea will be hoping for their front three of Eden Hazard, Diego Costa and the recently reborn Pedro to continue to make the difference in attack.
Prediction
Chelsea will be buoyed by their results in the last couple of months, and will back themselves to absorb extended periods of Manchester City pressure before snatching a goal on the counter. Together with City’s shaky home form, expect the West Londoners to at least bag a point.
Join The Roar from 11:15pm (AEDT) for score updates and debate in our live blog.
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