Chelsea will take on Manchester City in their first Premier League game since the international break ended. The Blues will be looking to continue their quest for Champions League football next season. On the other hand, Pep Guardiola’s side are looking to stay in the title race.
Recently, Chelsea’s hopes were boosted as an extra direct qualification for England was secured. The top five teams in the Premier League this season will get a chance to play in the Champions League in the upcoming campaign.
Although, as it stands, it won’t come easy for the Blues as they would now face both the Manchester clubs back-to-back. They also face Liverpool a bit down the line. And a game against Tottenham Hotspur remains to be played as well.
As a result, Liam Rosenior‘s men will have to go against the odds if they are to finish within the top five places in the league. They have a difficult run-in. And they need to get something out of this Man City game.
How to watch Chelsea vs Man City
The Chelsea vs Man City game will be broadcast in the United Kingdom on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Ultra HD, Sky GO and NOW TV.
In the US, the fans will be able to watch the game on NBC Sports.
Kick-off time: The game will kick off at Stamford Bridge at 16:30 BST and 11:30 ET.
Head-to-head record
The Blues’ recent record against the Citizens has been far from exemplary, as their last victory against Man City was back in 2021 in the Champions League final in Porto. Their last league win against City also came in May 2021.
The Blues’ record at Stamford Bridge against Guardiola’s side is also not something to be confident about either. Man City have won four out of their last five games in Chelsea’s own backyard, while the home side last won in 2020, behind closed doors.
Chelsea’s last five matches in all competitions: L-L-L-L-W
Manchester City’s last five matches in all competitions: L-D-L-W-W
Chelsea team news
For the second game running, the Blues will be without Enzo Fernandez. The Argentine was handed a two-game suspension by the club. The Man City game will be the second after he was left out of the 7-0 win over Port Vale.
Levi Colwill, Trevoh Chalobah and Reece James will remain sidelined for the game as they continue with their recovery process. One positive could be Benoit Badiashile’s recovery update from his illness. Marc Cucurella could also return to the starting lineup after being sidelined against Port Vale last weekend.
Preview
We had the chance to talk with ReadManCity’s Samuel Johnson regarding the fixture, and he gave us some insight into what Chelsea can expect from Guardiola’s side this weekend.
Are there any weaknesses that Chelsea should take advantage of?
Samuel: If Chelsea are to have a chance of taking points off Man City, counter-attacking is key. Nottingham Forest had very little possession when the sides met in March, but they made a couple of quick breaks and were effective up front.
It was a similar story at the Bernabeu. Real Madrid invited City to get forward, dispossessed them and then made no mistake with their destructive attacking moves.
Whereas Liverpool attempted to play with possession last Saturday and look what happened. They were passing the ball around rather nicely for the first half-hour, but no team are going to beat Manchester City at their own game.
For Chelsea to win, or even get a draw, they have to remain patient and choose their moments to hit City’s backline when they least expect it.
What should Chelsea be worried about?
Man City have entered into some good form, after a spell of uninspiring and lethargic performances.
James Trafford has played very well in goal across the last two fixtures, but he is unlikely to start over Gianluigi Donnarumma against Chelsea. Still, there is a lot of quality at the other end of the pitch.
Rayan Cherki is the main instigator of City’s attacking moves. His creativity and flair could definitely cause Chelsea problems and Antoine Semenyo was pretty good too against Liverpool.
Then of course there is Erling Haaland, who looked back to his best last weekend. He saw a lot more of the ball and made good use of it, recording a superb hat-trick. If the Norwegian is able to get himself just as involved against the Blues, it will be hard to keep him quiet.
