Chelsea and Manchester City will go head-to-head in a clash between two Premier League giants that could decide the title.
Antonio Conte will be hoping to get Chelsea’s title charge back on track after a surprising 2-1 defeat at home to Crystal Palace in their last game, which allowed London rivals Tottenham to close the gap at the top to seven points.
City were held to a 2-2 draw against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Monday, a result that didn’t really help either team in closing the gap on the league leaders, or even securing a Champions League place for next season.
If City have any ambitions of catching Chelsea, they must win at Stamford Bridge, having only won one of their last five games, scoring six goals while conceding six also.
As for Chelsea, this is a ‘do not lose’ type of game – a point against one of the big boys isn’t a bad result considering they are top of the table with only nine games remaining.
They have won four out of their last five games, scoring nine and only conceding five.
We had fireworks when these two clubs met back in December, with four goals, two red cards and a ten-man brawl just before the full-time whistle, as Chelsea came out 3-1 winners.
Teams and tactics
Conte will stick with the 3-4-3 formation that has brought his side great success this season.
Chelsea’s only injury casualty is wing back Victor Moses, with a toe injury. Pedro did play right wing back against Crystal palace at the weekend, however due to the strength of City’s attack, we may see John Terry come in to replace Pedro, meaning César Azpilicueta could switch position to a wing back.
The Citizens have been known for their free-flowing attacking football this season. Pep Guardiola will be without lkay Gündoğan and Gabriel Jesus, however Jesus did return to training ahead of schedule this week.
Expect Yaya Toure to come in for Jesus Navas, after his poor performance at right back against Arsenal on Monday, which would mean Fernandinho moving to right back and Toure playing centre midfield.
Prediction
Chelsea 2-1 Manchester City
Chelsea will be organised and are set up perfectly to deal with the attacking threat posed by City’s stars, while also posing a huge threat on the counter against a shaky City defence.
City’s attacking style will play right into Chelsea’s hands.
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Frankly, it was a bad look for Hayes. She appears like a grumpy and frustrated manager as her tenure at Chelsea is coming to an end.
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