The last two Premier League champions will square it off on Sunday, when Chelsea play host to Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.
Manchester City are on course to retain their crown as they sit on top of the Premier League table after 15 games, whilst Chelsea are in fourth.
The Blues have lost two of their last three outings in the Premier League and cracks are beginning to show after a brilliant start to the season under Maurizio Sarri. Their recent trip to Wolves typified how Chelsea have been all season; dominant in the first half and recklessly careless in possession in the second half.
Manchester City, on the other hand, have been almost unplayable at times. Pep Guardiola’s men have been very efficient, scoring 45 goals and conceding just seven. They have played Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, and Manchester United so far where they collected ten points from all those fixture. The question that begs is; will Chelsea be next?
Betting preview
Chelsea have now lost two of their last three in the Premier League and have dropped down to fourth in the table as a result. The Citizens have won 11 of their last 13 away matches and they are the form team heading into this fixture. You can back an Away Win at odds of 1.95 here.
The Blues have seen Under 2.5 Goals in their last three matches against Man City in all competitions. They will approach this game very cautiously and for that reason, we don’t think there will be a lot of goals. There is value in backing Under 2.5 Goals and you can do that at odds of 2.20 by clicking on this link.
Raheem Sterling was rested for the weekend but he has been City’s best player this season following eight goals and six assists so far. He makes an excellent punt for out Anytime Goalscorer market and odds for him to do that are placed at 2.50 here.
Team news
The Blues have no fresh injury concerns and for that reason, Sarri is likely to return to his regular starting 11 with David Luiz, Willian, Olivier Giroud, and Jorginho all expected to start. Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been putting in good performances lately and he might just be considered ahead of Mateo Kovacic or Ross Barkley.
Manchester City will also look to call upon their strongest side for the trip to Stamford Bridge. They are still without first choice left-back Benjamin Mendy, so Fabian Delph is set to deputize with Oleksandr Zinchenko also out.
Possible lineups
Chelsea: Arrizabalaga; Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Luiz, Alonso; Jorginho; Kante, Loftus-Cheek; Willian, Giroud, Hazard.
Manchester City: Ederson; Walker, Otamendi, Laporte, Delph; Fernandinho; D Silva, B Silva; Sterling, Aguero, Sane.