Manchester City
Vincent Kompany is likely to miss the match with Chelsea, which is a big
blow to City's hopes of keeping up their 100% record at The Etihad
Stadium. Kolo Toure will deputise, while the likes of Zabaleta, Barry and,
perhaps most importantly if Kompany is out, Lescott all remain doubtful. James Milner could return to the side as he often plays in the important
league matches due to his work rate and graft, while Balotelli should
keep his place up front, supported by Aguero.
Chelsea
Chelsea made wholesale changes after the extra-time victory over Napoli
last week, with Torres the most notable inclusion having finally ended
his goal drought of over 24 hours of playing time without netting. The Spaniard should keep his place in the side having also picked up two
assists in the FA Cup win over Leicester, while Cole, Terry, Essien,
Ramires and Lampard, who were all rested at the weekend, should return. After opening his Chelsea account, Gary Cahill will hope to keep his
place in defence ahead of David Luiz who is a slight doubt with an ankle
problem but came off the bench on Sunday.
Match facts
- Manchester City have won their last 19 home matches in Premier League.
- Manchester City have won with at least a 2 goal margin in 13 of their last 15 home matches in Premier League.
- Manchester City have kept a clean sheet in 6 of their last 7 home matches in Premier League.
- Manchester City have been winning at both half time and full time in 5 of their last 6 home matches in Premier League.
- There have been under 2.5 goals scored in 6 of Chelsea's last 7 away games in Premier League.
Prediction
A massive game for both clubs; City will see this as the major hurdle to
overcome ahead of their showdown with United late in the season while
Chelsea are hoping for a fifth straight win under Di Matteo to keep
their hopes of automatic qualification for the Champions League alive. If, as expected, City captain Vincent Kompany is out, the visitors will
look to expose the unfamiliar centre-back pairing with Torres having
regained some confidence after his most recent showing. Chelsea, on the
other hand, are at full strength and will hope become the first team
this season to pick up a result in the Premier League at City. The Blues have won the last two matches between the sides, ending a
3-game losing streak against, and the 2-1 win earlier in the season was
arguably their best result under Villas-Boas. Di Matteo must now try and
replicate it, but would surely settle for a draw.
Prediction Score :
Manchester City 2 - 1 Chelsea
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