Chelsea host an under the weather Manchester City side who are desperate to capitalise on points dropped from the teams above. Frank Lampard’s side will be hoping to end a slump which has seen them win only once in five whilst their opponents are unbeaten in their last five games.
Both Sides Looking For Push at Top Four
Manchester City
Manchester City’s last game with Everton had to be postponed due to positive coronavirus tests within the squad. Pep Guardiola’s side has resumed full-squad training despite the positive Covid tests in recent days.
In his latest press conference, the Spanish manager confirmed the club will have five players unavailable for their Premier League game at Chelsea on Sunday following positive coronavirus tests.
With Gabriel Jesus out after a positive test, talisman striker Sergio Aguero should be in line to make his first start of the Premier League season. Pep Guardiola expressed Aguero’s importance to the team as he said: “I need him. It was very good news in general in the minutes Sergio played we saw his sharp and dynamic. This is incredible news for us.”
This was after a 2-0 win over Newcastle United in which Aguero played for about 15 minutes. He almost scored but Karl Darlow made an incredible save.
Chances for Phil Foden have not been forthcoming this season with reports claiming he is frustrated with his time at the club. Having him, Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne would bring a better influence on the game with other currently struggling. The acquisition of Ruben Dias has impacted the defence tremendously.
Chelsea
With all the money Chelsea has spent, the pressure is now mounting on Chelsea manager Frank Lampard to start getting results. Timo Werner was the biggest acquisition but Hakim Ziyech has had more impact on the success of Chelsea. The Blues only has one loss when Ziyech starts this season. Chelsea has three players with four goals or more; Tammy Abraham, Timo Werner and Kurt Zouma, with Abraham leading the way with six. The German international is yet to hit the heights of his time at RB Leipzig but he’s still had a modest start to the season adding four assists.
The problem with Chelsea have not built the killer instinct mentality to their game yet and is currently costing them games. They have not fared well against the top six teams and is something they had an issue with last year which led to fingers pointed at goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. This season has proven even with an upgrade in a goalkeeper with Edouard Mendy they still don’t beat the best teams. They have preferred to play defensively in scoreless draws against Manchester United and Tottenham. Additionally, having also lost to teams below them like Arsenal and a surprising draw against West Bromwich Albion. Lastly, the offensive talent the London club have is strong enough even for the likes of Manchester City.
Prediction
Manchester City will win 2-1 because of their defence and Chelsea’s inability to beat top table teams. Manchester City’s defensive system has improved the defence tremendously and Dias is the focal point.
Despite returning from injury, Aguero has more goals against Chelsea than any other of the big six teams. Even if he comes off the bench he is always a threat to score.
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