Fresh off their roaring win over Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea have the monumental task of stopping league leaders Manchester City in a blockbuster Premier League clash on Sunday.
Meanwhile, City will look to continue their relentless run and extend the lead at the top of the table on their trip to Stamford Bridge.
Blowing away the teams at ease in their wake, Man City still can’t afford to take a completely transformed Mauricio Pochettino’s side for granted.
Chelsea vs Manchester City Match Preview
Chelsea, of all the teams – despite a setback against Brentford, put an end to Tottenham Hotspur’s undefeated run in the Premier League this season with an astounding 4-1 victory.
Although Spurs shot themselves in their feet with two red cards, the Blues took complete control of the situation, with Nicolas Jackson grabbing the spotlight with a stellar hat-trick in the undoing of Spurs.
Pochettino has done an impressive job rescuing his side from a precarious position to register five wins in their last seven games across all competitions.
However, the Argentine gaffer is about to face a tough run of fixtures, including Manchester City, Brighton & Hove Albion, Newcastle United and Manchester United.
The first hurdle will be Man City, against whom the West Londoners have a poor record in recent seasons.
Nonetheless, if they eke out a favourable result, it will serve as a springboard for the forthcoming fixtures.
Sitting 10th in the table, if Chelsea comes out unharmed from this set of fixtures, they can certainly boost their top-four hopes.
On the other hand, Man City will stop at nothing to continue their stellar run, and another three points on Sunday will fortify their position at the summit.
Cityzens had another usual day at the office after hammering Swiss minnows Young Boys 3-0, with Erling Haaland stealing the show for the umpteenth time with a brace.
The Blues did a huge favour to City by battering Spurs, which allowed the Sky Blues to remain at the top of the table. However, the reigning champions are likely to show no mercy on Sunday.
Haaland will look to inflict damage to Pochettino’s side, while Jeremy Doku, who produced a sublime performance against Bournemouth, will also be a menace to the opposition’s defence.
Meanwhile, Cole Palmer, who is proving to be a pivotal figure in Chelsea’s resurgence, will step against his former club, alongside Raheem Sterling
Similarly, it will also be a reconciliation for Man City midfielder Mateo Kovacic, who returns to Stamford Bridge following his exit in the summer.
Chelsea vs Manchester City Team News
Man City’s victory over Young Boys was marred by John Stones’ injury, who withdrew in the first half.
Pep Guardiola has delivered a worrying update, stating that the English defender could be sidelined for a while, meaning he will miss the clash against the Blues.
Meanwhile, City is also missing another personnel in the defence: Manuel Akanji, who is said to be nursing a back issue and remains doubtful for the clash.
As for Chelsea, Armando Broja is nearing a return after a month out of action, with Pochettino stating that the Albanian striker could make it to the squad against City.
Chelsea vs Manchester City possible lineups
Chelsea possible starting XI
Robert Sanchez, Thiago Silva, Axel Disasi, Reece James, Levi Colwill, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Raheem Sterling, Connor Gallagher, Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson
Manchester City possible starting XI
Ederson, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Nathan Ake, Kyle Walker, Mateo Kovacic, Rodri, Jeremy Doku, Bernardo Silva, Julian Alvarez, Erling Haaland
Chelsea vs Manchester City Prediction
We Say: Chelsea vs Manchester City 1-3
Chelsea are currently playing their best football since the start of the season, and their confidence must be soaring high after the victory over Spurs. Despite that, they might end up short against the reigning champions, who seem to be taking no prisoners this season.
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