Chelsea v MAN CITY – The PREVIEW: City’s Probable Team
30 Jan
Manuel Pellegrini faces a selection dilemma at the heart of his defence, with Martin Demichelis and Eliaquim Mangala vying for a place alongside Vincent Kompany. Mangala was superb against Chelsea on his debut, but his form has taken a decidedly downward turn since that encounter, while Demichelis has been City’s form defender this season. Gael Clichy can expect to keep Aleks Kolarov on the sidelines.
Ivory Coast’s progression from the group stage of the African Cup of Nations means that Yaya Touré and Wilfried Bony are both unavailable for this fixture, so Fernandinho and Fernando will occupy the two central midfield positions, with Jesus Navas on the right and David Silva not too far away. Sergio Aguero will line up as a striker, with the only other issue for Pellegrini being whether to opt for James Milner, Stevan Jovetic or Edin Dzeko.
Here is the side Pellegrini could select:
Referee: Mark Clattenburg.
Prediction: Chelsea 1 – 1 MAN CITY – City have been fairly woeful in the past couple of matches and everything points towards a home victory, but we have a habit of bouncing back just when everything seems like falling away. It’ll be a tight match, but Diego Costa’s absence could be crucial. If City can contain Eden Hazard, the likes of David Silva and Sergio Aguero can do enough damage at the other end to steal a point.
Sergio Aguero is a very tempting 6/1 to score the first goal!
I’d be very surprised if we scored from a set-piece. I’m rattling my brain to think of the last one scored by Kompany at a set-piece: Rags at home 2012?
We’re definitely going to win this one 1-3 to the Champions
When we “must perform” we are a very good side, dzeko could play a big part in defense & attack – after watching the pool Game direct & quick running at their defence & we’ll win the game, I expect us to win every game & I’m sticking by that. Sergio is due a goal” sanga might come in for hazard to match his pace. A couple of years ago at the bridge Silva was denied a stonewaller against Cahill with this same ref who I’m no fan of… Let’s hope he has a solid game, he needs to.
I reckon it’s all about the Fernys for this game. If they play really well we will get a result. Great time to play them though they might be thinking the same!
C’mon you blues!