Roberto Mancini’s men turned out an ineffectual performance and duly lost 1-0, falling behind
rivals Manchester United to second.
Having lost the first leg in Portugal 1-0, Manchester City were plunged into further trouble on Thursday when they went down to two first half goals at home against Sporting in the second leg of their
Europa League last 16 tie, thereby needing 4 clear goals to win on the night.
Full credits to Roberto Mancini’s men as they fought back in the second half and scored thrice to win 3-2 but it wasn’t enough as a fourth goal was beyond them. Manchester City are now out of all competitions and MUST now pull their whole resources to winning the Premier League title. The thought that after assembling such an expensive array of players and winning NOTHING in the end has crossed my mind regarding Manchester City and so as not to face such disgraceful situation, Manchester City MUST do everything that is fair to win the Premier League, starting with this
fixture against Chelsea.
Chelsea were far from convincing when they took on Stoke City at Stamford Bridge last weekend but they got that which that mattered most – the result. A 1-0 result was enough for Chelsea and coupled
with Tottenham’s reverse at Everton, the Blues kept themselves in the race for a top 4 place.
Chelsea produced one of the great European comebacks to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League on Wednesday night. In a thrilling contest, Didier Drogba, John Terry and Frank Lampard proved just how difficult it will be to replace them as the trio all contributed to the goals before Brainslav Ivanovic sealed a 4-1 win on the night (5-4 on aggregate).
Always argued that Chelsea aren’t that a poor side has people have painted them in the last few weeks, they still got quality, experienced players in that squad who though age might not be on their
side, but still have what it takes to take Chelsea over the finish line this season.
Chelsea’s new found confidence after their three successive victories in all competitions would come handy when they take to the Etihad stadium’s turf. A few weeks ago, this would have been a walk-over for Manchester City but contrasting results for both sides in the last couple of weeks has changed the complexion of the match entirely.
Manchester City have looked like they are getting tired after a long season while Chelsea have looked to be getting their swagger back. It will be interesting to see how Manchester City react to being behind Manchester United, they are condemned to win this match because with United at relegation-haunted Wolves on Sunday, City could find themselves four points adrift before they take to the field again next Wednesday and that would be some pressure.
Chelsea need to win too, especially if Arsenal and Tottenham record maximum points in their matches. This is poised to be a very interesting match-up and though I think Chelsea could at least get a draw, I wouldn’t bet against Manchester City at the Etihad stadium where NOT ONE team entered and came out with something to show for their efforts this season in the Premier League. City have been untouchable at home in the Premier League this season and I think they might just about get past Chelsea too.
Head to Head
| Liga Primer Inggris (EPL) | 13 Des 2011 | Chelsea 2 - Manchester City 1 | |
| Liga Primer Inggris (EPL) | 20 Mar 2011 | Chelsea 2 - Manchester City 0 | |
| Liga Primer Inggris (EPL) | 25 Sep 2010 | Manchester City 1 - Chelsea 0 | |
| Liga Primer Inggris (EPL) | 27 Feb 2010 | Chelsea 2 - Manchester City 4 | |
| Liga Primer Inggris (EPL) | 6 Des 2009 | Manchester City 2 - Chelsea 1 |
Prediction
Manchester City 2 vs 1 Chelsea
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