Five reasons to expect THIS outcome in Man City v Chelsea.
A look ahead to Man City v Chelsea and why it seems clear that it is the home side who will take all three points at the Etihad Stadium this afternoon…
1) Chelsea in crisis
Chelsea have had a terrible start to the season. Not only were the Blues poor in their opening day draw at home to Swansea City, but results in pre-season made the dropped points look inevitable. With the Eva Carneiro row also proving to be more of an unwelcome distraction than a positive for Jose Mourinho, it wouldn’t be surprising if this unsettled side were found wanting again this weekend.
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2) Man City look hungry
Although their opening day win away to West Bromwich Albion was a fairly easy result in the end, there looked a new-found passion about City after such a disappointing season last year. Vincent Kompany’s celebration for his goal suggests a player fired up and ready to rediscover his best form, so one feels this team will take every opportunity to silence the doubters this weekend and put Chelsea to the sword.
3) Chelsea have striker problems
Diego Costa is unfit, Radamel Falcao is unfit, and Loic Remy is off-form and prone to injury at almost any time. It’s clear the Blues have real issues up front that are affecting their game. Cesc Fabregas has not looked the same since Costa missed an increasing number of games in the second half of last season, and it looks a bit much to ask Eden Hazard to score all the team’s goals. Against a top side like City, this kind of form in a key area just won’t do.
4) Sterling’s pace could prove crucial
With Chelsea’s defence struggling to cope with Swansea’s pace last weekend, Raheem Sterling could be a pivotal player for City this weekend, as he will take every opportunity to drift into dangerous areas and get in behind, with the in-form David Silva providing the ammunition for the former Liverpool man to thrive against a slightly sluggish Blues back four.
5) Begovic looks a poor option in goal
After one very poor game in pre-season, Asmir Begovic does not look the most convincing option in goal for Chelsea this afternoon. Thibaut Courtois is a big miss through suspension, and it could be a nightmare debut for the former Stoke City man.