Chelsea play their first away match of the new season this Sunday, and it is likely to be the toughest game of this year’s campaign. The Blues travel up north to face Manchester City, one of the few teams that have been tipped to push Chelsea close for the title.
After a disappointing draw against Swansea in their opening game, Jose Mourinho’s side will have to show vast improvement, if they are to have any chance of getting a result against City. The hosts, on the other hand, have made a flying start to the season. Inspired by the rejuvenated Yaya Toure, they beat West Brom 3-0 at The Hawthorns on Monday night, to go top of the table after the opening weekend.
There was nothing between the two teams last season, and both Premier League fixtures finished in 1-1 draws at Stamford Bridge in January and The Etihad in September.
Therefore, the difference on Sunday could depend on more recent events. During the offseason, Manchester City have been as active as ever, bringing in five new signings, most notably Raheem Sterling and Fabian Delph, to help improve their squad. Chelsea in comparison have been fairly quiet, and will be relying on many of the players who featured in both fixtures last year, to get the job done.
Team News:
Chelsea will be without their first-choice goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, who picked up a red card against Swansea after a professional foul on Gomis. With the club’s appeal against the ban rejected by the FA, Begovic will start on Sunday. With the exception of the unavailable goalkeeper, Chelsea appear to have no other worries. Diego Costa played the full 90 minutes on Saturday, suggesting that he has recovered from his hamstring problem, and the team have no other injuries. Therefore, the Blues will be relying on the likes of Eden Hazard, Oscar and Willian to provide the most attacking threat, and support Costa up front.
Manchester City similarly appear to have no injury problems and are at full strength to face the champions. Following Sterling’s positive start for City against West Brom, he will likely keep his place in the starting line-up, and will be hoping to cause Chelsea a few problems. The other main threats come from Toure in the midfield, who was brilliant against WBA on Monday, and striker Sergio Aguero, who has troubled Chelsea in the past.
Stats:
Chelsea haven’t lost to Manchester City in their last four Premier League meetings, drawing two and winning two.
City have however come out on top against Chelsea in previous FA Cup meetings, winning the last two ties between the clubs.
Jose Mourinho has faced Manual Pellegrini 12 times previous to Sunday’s fixture, and the Chelsea manager has won 7 matches, drawn 3 and has lost just 2 times.
Writer’s Prediction:
Manchester City 2-2 Chelsea.
