Manchester City suffered an agonising, last minute defeat against Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday night. It means they have not won any of their last three matches after losing to Stoke before drawing with Arsenal in the league. Far from being a crisis so early in the season – and the fact they held their own for long periods against the German side – it will still be concerning for Manuel Pellegrini who seen his side win their first two league games against Newcastle and Liverpool, the latter of which were comfortably beating at the Etihad. They face another huge test this weekend when they host Chelsea who they lost twice to last season. They’re also expected to prove their biggest barrier in retaining the league title which illustrates how big this clash could be.
Chelsea were also in Champions League action against German opposition as they drew 1-1 at home to Schalke. It was a disappointing result for a side who have won all four of their Premier League games, scoring plenty of goals in the process. Jose Mourinho rested key players such as Oscar and Diego Costa for the game, both of whom will be restored for the visit to City. Costa – who moved to the club from Atletico Madrid in the summer – has been in sensational form scoring in his first four matches, including a hat-trick against Swansea last weekend. He has seven goals for his new club and has linked up with Cesc Fabregas (another big money, summer signing) effortlessly. Both these players were brought to the club to take Chelsea to the next level and the early indications are very good.
Having resorted to playing one upfront against Bayern, Pellegrini must decide if he reverts back to playing with two strikers as he is usually accustomed to. Sergio Aguero started from the bench as Edin Dzeko got the nod but City fans will be hoping both are in the starting eleven on Sunday. They won the league last year because if their attacking prowess. The defeats to Chelsea last season will be on their minds but the fact that the blues have conceded six goals in four league games will not have escaped their notice.
The win away to Manchester City last season was one of the best performances by any side in the Premier League in recent seasons. Despite playing against a side who had overwhelmed every other side in the league with their forward play, Chelsea stifled their opponent, limiting them to very few chances. Whether or not they are capable of doing something similar remains to be seen as they have looked a different side this year.
It’s definitely the biggest match of the Premier League season thus far. For all Arsenal and Liverpool feel they are getting closer to winning the league, one of these two sides are the likeliest winners. City have not yet hit the heights of last season whilst Chelsea have been clinical in the league. Mourinho has a great career record over Pellegrini and he relishes these big games. They’re definitely the form side heading into this and I think Chelsea can edge another close encounter between the two.
Chelsea 21/10 @ Betvictor
