Manchester City hosts an in-form Chelsea side at the Etihad on Saturday evening in the Premier League and will be looking to bounce back after losing their last league game away to Liverpool. The loss opened a nine-point gap between leaders Liverpool and City are now. Can City get back to winning ways? Here’s the Big Gam Focus. Bet on the game here.
Manchester City’s defence of the Premier League title took another significant blow before the international break as they were outclassed by leaders Liverpool who opened a nine-point gap with them. They will be hoping to get back to winning ways on Saturday when they host a Chelsea team that has won six games on the spin. Can City register a statement win over Frank Lampard’s side?
Chelsea have been a revelation this season. Their 4-0 loss to Manchester United in their opening game of the season seems like a distant memory now. They have won their last six league games in a row and visit the Etihad as the most in-form team in the league. However, their two losses this season against Liverpool and Manchester United have shown the Blues have a lot to prove against bigger teams. Can they get a result against a wounded City team?
Betting preview
The hosts are favourites at home against Chelsea. Pep Guardiola’s men have won 18 of their last 21 home games with only Wolves taking three points at the Etihad this season. They have also won three of their last four home games against Chelsea. You can back a home win at odds of 1.45.
Eleven of Manchester City’s last 15 games in all competitions have seen Over 2.5 Goals. The Blue’s last six away games in Premier League have seen three or more goals scored. For those reasons, you can back Over 2.5 Goals in this game at odds of 1.40.
The Blues and City have two of the best attacks in the league this season. They have scored a combined total of 62 goals this season. Five of City’s last six games have seen both teams score while both teams have found the back of the net in four of Chelsea’s last five matches in all competitions. Odds of 1.55 for Both Teams to Score in this game are attractive.
Team news
City will be without Bernardo Silva this weekend, with the Portuguese midfielder serving a one-match ban for a post made on social media. However, goalkeeper Ederson should be fit to return after he missed out last time, while Benjamin Mendy is likely to get the nod over Angelino at left-back.
Jorginho is available again after serving a one-match suspension against Crystal Palace for picking up five yellow cards this season. Ross Barkley and Christian Pulisic will be assessed before the game. Antonio Rudiger and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are still unavailable.
Possible lineups
Manchester City: Ederson, Walker, Stones, Fernandinho, Mendy, De Bruyne, Rodri, D.Silva, Mahrez, Aguero, Sterling
Chelsea: Kepa, Azpilicueta, Zouma, Tomori, Emerson, Kante, Jorginho, Mount, Willian, Abraham, Pulisic.