In a thrilling encounter, Chelsea is set to host Manchester City at Stamford Bridge for a high-stakes Sunday afternoon clash, marking the second consecutive gameweek that the Blues take the spotlight in the Premier League.
Mauricio Pochettino’s return to Tottenham Hotspur resulted in a dramatic 4-1 win, while Manchester City secured a spot in the Champions League last-16 with a convincing three-goal victory over Young Boys midweek.
So, Sportonpoint is going to share with you Chelsea Vs Manchester City match preview, teams news on injuries, possible starting lineup, and prediction as well.
Before we kick off, let’s take a look at their last encounter
Match preview:
Pochettino’s return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium saw unexpected twists, with an early deflected goal by Dejan Kulusevski and a subsequent implosion leading to two red cards and crucial injuries for Spurs. Chelsea capitalized on the opportunity, breaking Tottenham’s unbeaten record with a penalty from Cole Palmer and a hat-trick from Nicolas Jackson.
Despite Chelsea’s recent victories against Blackburn Rovers and Tottenham, they find themselves in 10th place, nine points adrift from the top four. Their home form has been inconsistent, with only one win in their last 13 matches at Stamford Bridge.
In contrast, Manchester City has been dominant, showcasing their prowess with an average of a goal every 20 minutes in recent home games. Pep Guardiola’s men comfortably secured a place in the Champions League knockout rounds with a convincing win over Young Boys.
While Chelsea has struggled to conquer Manchester City since the 2021 Champions League final, losing the last six encounters, the Blues aim to defy the odds in this high-profile clash at Stamford Bridge. The history between these two giants sets the stage for an exhilarating battle on the Premier League front.
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Injury Update: Chelsea and Manchester City Players’ Status Ahead of Clash
Enzo Fernandez, recovering from the impact of Romero’s red card-worthy tackle on Monday, faced uncertainty after being subbed off just before the hour mark. However, recent training images on Thursday indicate his potential availability for Sunday’s match. In contrast, Chelsea is grappling with injuries to Wesley Fofana, Ben Chilwell, Romeo Lavia, Christopher Nkunku, Trevoh Chalobah, and Carney Chukwuemeka.
Armando Broja may find a spot on the bench as he looks to overcome a knee issue, while Reece James, absent from the latest England squad, is expected to feature against the champions despite rejecting a call-up, potentially impacting his place in the Euro 2024 squad.
On the Manchester City front, both John Stones and Armando Broja will miss representing England due to injuries. Stones, facing a prolonged spell on the sidelines with a thigh complaint, joins Manuel Akanji and Sergio Gomez as defensive concerns for Pep Guardiola’s side. Akanji, recovering from a back problem, has trained since, while Gomez targets a return after the international break from his ankle sprain.
Former Blues talent Kevin De Bruyne is set to miss a Stamford Bridge homecoming as he continues his recovery from a severe thigh issue. However, another ex-Chelsea player, Nathan Ake, is poised for a defensive role in light of Stones and Akanji’s injury concerns. The clash between Chelsea and Manchester City will see both teams navigating through key absences and potential comebacks in this highly anticipated showdown.
Possible starting lineup
Chelsea possible starting lineup:
Sanchez; James, Disasi, Silva, Colwill; Caicedo, Fernandez; Palmer, Gallagher, Sterling; Jackson
Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Ederson; Dias, Ake, Gvardiol; Walker, Rodri, Kovacic, Doku; Silva, Alvarez; Haaland
Match Prediction: Chelsea 1-2 Manchester City
If Postecoglou had chosen a defensive approach on Monday, Chelsea might not have secured a three-point victory, and their margin of triumph would likely have been less significant. Pochettino’s team is unlikely to create ample opportunities against an 11-man Citizens side, even considering Guardiola’s recent defensive concerns. We anticipate the champions delivering a stern wake-up call to the Blues, securing a seventh consecutive victory along with a clean sheet against their counterparts from the capital.
Conclusion
Get ready for an epic clash as Chelsea faces off against Manchester City! With both teams dealing with injuries and aiming for crucial victories, the excitement is palpable. Will Chelsea bounce back or will Manchester City continue their dominant streak? The pitch is set for a thrilling encounter that promises surprises and standout performances. Grab your snacks, settle in, and enjoy the football magic as these giants collide at Stamford Bridge. It’s more than a game; it’s a spectacle waiting to unfold!
