It’s an epic battle, new money meets newer money in London on Sunday when Chelsea hosts a formidable Manchester City side at the Bridge.
Chelsea vs Manchester City
Premier League
Sunday, 12 November
Stamford Bridge
Chelsea
Chelsea continues to receive; unsolicited and unwarranted plaudits for their occasional performances, and whilst their midfield might be an area of their team which deserves the fear it receives, they struggle to convert their expected goal margin into actual goals.
Interestingly, Chelsea would sit in 20th position on the League table should we place teams according to their goal conversation rating. The Blues currently have a conversation rate of just 7%!
Now the worrying thing for me is when you look at data like this against the backdrop of a fixture against Manchester City, it doesn’t result in easy reading…now I know there might be a few Chelsea fans reading this thinking my analysis is too simplistic and somewhat superficial, I mean Chelsea have shown glimpses of really good football this season under Mauricio Pochettino.
My rather simple reply would be, games are at the end of the day won and lost by who puts the ball into the back of the net more…and you will eventually get over it.
To Win Match
Chelsea 4/1 | Draw11/4 | Man City 8/11
Manchester City
I really wish I could say something else, find something to change my mind or just ignore the obvious, but I think the City Juggernaut rolls on here. It is fascinating to see the criticism levelled at Erling Haaland when he performs anywhere below what we know he is capable of – and yet still City have players all of the pitch that can hurt you.
With most teams, managers change and rotate their starting eleven to rest players or counteract an opposition’s approach, not City. They genuinely enjoy the luxury of rotating players because they can.
For instance, look at the performances of Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku on the City left. Doku was brilliant when given his chance, but Grealish responded in emphatic fashion. It’s unbelievable to see the depth of talent at Manchester City, their ruthlessness, confidence, and pure gusto is what I just cannot look past.
Predicted Lineups:
Chelsea: Sanchez, Colwill, Silva, Disasi, James, Fernandez, Caicedo, Sterling, Gallagher, Palmer, Jackson
Manchester City: Ederson, Walker, Akanji, Ake, Stones, Rodri, Silva, Alvarez, Kovacic, Grealish, Haaland.
Verdict: Manchester City (8/11)
I don’t mean this in any sort of way, but I cannot believe that City is available at 43/20. I have said all I need to say about Pep Guardiola’s ability, his side’s talent, and depth of quality to simply say this…get stuck into the away win – Provident fund confidence!
