After the break of the coronavirus, we continue with the 2nd round in which we will have a big match between Chelsea and Manchester City.
We could say that both clubs keep a social distance because there is a 12-point difference between them on the Premier League table. Manchester City has lost every chance for the title and Liverpool can lift the Premier League trophy on Thursday, while on the other hand Chelsea is fighting for a place in the Champions League and are only 2 points away from Manchester United with a game less and victory in today’s game would be more important to Chelsea.
The last round against Aston Villa, Chelsea did not show a great game. After a bad first half in which they conceded a goal scored by Kortney Hause, Chelsea managed to line up and turn the game around with goals from Oliver Giroud and Christian Pulusic for final score 1:2.
Fikayo Tomori is still a week away, Callum Hudson-Odoi (ankle) is still not considered fit, but Jorginho is available again after suspension.
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard says:
We have to be realistic and honest, but we have to just get as many points as we can. We have tough games but we have to just focus on ourselves. The competition is fierce., I’m not focusing on others, just ourselves. Every game is an opportunity to see the growth of the team. Villa it was nice to see the character. Against City of course we want to be at that level. We want to close the gap and it’s a great opportunity to prove themselves.”
Manchester City has more things to be optimistic about. In the last game, they played great and beat Burnley 5: 0 (2xMahrez, Silva, 2xFoden) at the Etihad. Ederson didn’t have a hard time, City’s defense worked so well that Burnley made just 1 shot on goal. City fans expect a victory, although they are missing one of the best strikers in the world, Sergio Aguero. Eric Garcia (head) is absent and John Stones is a doubt.
Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, meanwhile says:
“We can’t deny that we have one eye on Newcastle. Chelsea and Liverpool are prestigious but Newcastle is our game. A final. We have one eye. It depends on physical condition, the minutes they have played. We take a look a little bit at what is going to happen, not just Chelsea.”
CURRENT FORM (PL)
CHELSEA: DLWDWW
MANCHESTER CITY: LW
Fun facts
- Manchester City have won five of the past seven meetings in all competition
- Chelsea have only kept one clean sheet in the last 11 Premier League meetings.
- Chelsea have won three successive games in all competitions.
- Manchester City have won six of their seven most recent matches in all competitions
- Manchester City have lost two of their last four Premier League away games
Predictions
BBC Sport: Chelsea 1-2 Manchester City
Premier League Press: Chelsea 2-3 Manchester City
Sportsmole: Chelsea 1-2 Manchester City
Where to watch tonight’s games?
UK: Sport 24, BT Sport
DE: Sky sport 1
FR: beIN Sports Max 5 France HD
IE: Sky Sports Main Event Ireland
TR: S Sport Turkey
HR: SK1
