Focus Fixture: Can Chelsea upset the odds and claim all three points at the Etihad

Manchester City host Chelsea in Saturday’s late kick-off in the Premier League. Chelsea have shown signs of improvement in their recent matches but they will go up a level if they are to get anything from this trip to the Etihad.

The Form

Pep Guardiola’s juggernaut continues to march on. They took a big step towards the last eight of the Champions League midweek but now their attention turns to defending their Premier League crown. City have recorded 11 consecutive wins in all competitions and the toothless display at Villa Park back in December is a distant memory.

City took a while to break a resolute Everton down in their last league match. Erling Haaland’s physicality and eye for goal proved the decisive factor. Kevin De Bruyne’s return to the team has also helped Pep’s side build momentum. He has registered an assist in his four league matches after being sidelined.

Things were looking ominous at Chelsea just a couple of weeks ago but a couple of morale boosting wins have given them something to build on. 

Mauricio Pochettino being dismissed was and still is a very real possibility. However, the club have the League Cup final to look forward to and are still in with a chance of success in the FA Cup. Chelsea will want to return to the top of the Premier League sooner rather than later but cup success would likely be enough to keep the critics at bay for now.

These sides drew 4-4 when they met earlier in the season. Cole Palmer put on a fantastic display against his former club and displayed nerves of steel as he scored the all-important equaliser from the spot in the dying moments of the game.

The Runners and the Riders

Pep Guardiola has no injury concerns ahead of this match. He has had to deal with injuries to several key players since the start of the season but the likes of John Stones, Rodri, Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne are all available. Chelsea had plenty of success going forward in the reverse fixture so City will be looking to strengthen their defence.

Chelsea have had to deal with more injuries than most and it had undoubtedly impacted Pochettino’s ability to get a tune out of this team. Fofana, James, Cucurella, Silva, Sánchez, Badiashile, Lavia and Ugochukwu are all sidelined here.

What They Said

Pep Guardiola was keen to avoid any drama after Pochettino seemingly forgot to shake his hand following the draw between the sides earlier in the season. He said "It's completely fine. It's an emotion. I don't want to make a thing about it."

Pochettino has spoken ahead of this clash and wasn’t concerned about his record against Pep. The Argentine said “Of course, Pep is an unbelievable coach, one of the greatest coaches ever in football. Of course, not only me, but the record is not so good against him.”

Tip

The first of our tips comes in the player markets. We are backing Kevin De Bruyne to register an assist at any point in the match at 2.02. As previously mentioned, he has accomplished this feat in his four league matches since returning from injury and we are expecting him to make his mark again.

Manchester City have an embarrassment of riches at their disposal so they get very little sympathy from fans and pundits alike when key players are ruled out. However, De Bruyne is a vital cog in the wheel and the team’s performance level certainly increases when he is in the pitch.

Erling Haaland has also returned to the City starting 11 after an, albeit shorter, injury lay-off. The Norwegian gives City’s dynamic midfield something to aim in the box and De Bruyne js a master at picking out his man. The Belgian midfielder picked up 16 assists in the Premier League; more than any other player.

Recommended Bet: Kevin De Bruyne to assist a goal at 2.02

Bet Builder Tip

Our longer odds bet builder tip also features Kevin De Bruyne to assist a goal. Along with that angle, I’m backing Manchester City to have at least four more corners than Chelsea using the -3.5 corners handicap market.

City’s home matches in the Premier League this season have seen them average 7.27 corners and concede just 3.09. They won the corner count 9-0 in their most recent home match against Everton. This betting angles has won in their last five home matches across all competitions.

When Chelsea played at Anfield at the start of this month, they conceded eight corners and win just one.

Recommended Bet: Kevin are Bruyne to assist a goal & Manchester City-3.5 corners handicap at 4.20