Manchester City-Chelsea Preview
Manchester City head into one of their biggest matchups of the season as they face an in-form Chelsea.
Coming off the international break, Manchester City immediately will be faced with one of their biggest tasks of the season as former City player Frank Lampard returns to the Etihad as manager of his beloved Chelsea.
The young side are in fantastic form, and currently sit third in the league, a point above the two-time defending champions. City boss Pep Guardiola has announced that goalkeeper Ederson will return to the side after missing the 3-1 defeat to Liverpool prior to the international break.
Although City have had the break to prepare and return to health, they will miss star winger Bernardo Silva, who will serve his one-match suspension for the social media incident with Ben Mendy in this game.
Chelsea have been excellent so far this season under Lampard, with youngsters such as Tammy Abraham, Christian Pulisic, Mason Mount, and Fikayo Tomori flourishing under the former Derby County coach. However, equally as impressive, veterans such as Jorginho and Willian have found a second wind under their new manager, creating an impressive blend of talent that looks to be in the driver’s seat for a top-four finish despite the transfer ban they faced this summer.
Although this will be a test for City, they have a penchant for responding in big spots. After a defeat or an international break, the Blues are typically at their absolute best, showing a response with little to no complacency. This will not be an easy match, but Chelsea can be exposed defensively, and this team has plenty of attacking firepower to punish a young side on a difficult trip to the Etihad.
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I would anticipate City to come out firing with a passion, much like they did in the 6-0 thrashing against Maurizio Sarri’s Chelsea in February of this year, although I believe the result will be different. This Chelsea side is much more young, exciting, and full of passion, but they still do not have the talent to compete against the likes of former Chelsea player Kevin de Bruyne or Sergio Agüero. This will be a difficult task for City, but I believe a winnable one as they look to separate themselves as at least clear second behind leaders Liverpool.
Next. Manchester City: 3 bold predictions after the international break. dark
Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Chelsea