Prediction and odds for the game: Chelsea (19/10) vs Manchester City (13/10)
We are backing the draw at odds of 13/5
When: Sunday, 3rd January 2020, Kick-off 16:30
Where: Stamford Bridge
On Sunday afternoon, Chelsea host Manchester City at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League, as both teams look to move closer to league leaders Liverpool.
Chelsea
The Blues head into this clash in poor form after so much optimism in the summer transfer window. Frank Lampard’s team have won just once in their last five league outings, losing on three occasions. In their last league Chelsea match, the home side drew 1-1 with Aston Villa on home soil. Despite their recent poor form, the Blues are still fifth-place in the top-flight table.
The Blues recent league matches have been relatively high-scoring, with over 2.5 goals scored in seven of their last ten games.
Chelsea’s recent home form has been typically strong. Lampard’s team have lost just one home game in their previous 14 league matches at Stamford Bridge. More recently they are undefeated in seven home games in the Premier League, recording four wins and three draws.
The Blues have been a major attacking threat on home soil of late scoring at least two goals in six of their previous nine league matches at Stamford Bridge.
Manchester City
The Citizens look to be moving in the right direction, despite their relatively lowly position of eighth-place in the table. Pep Guardiola’s team has two games in hand on the league’s top-four. If the men from Manchester Can win those games in hand, they will be right back in the fight for the title.
City are undefeated in their last six league outings, winning on four occasions. Guardiola’s team have been superb in defence of late in the Premier League, conceding just one goal in their previous six league outings.
The visitors have been inconsistent on their recent travels in the English top-flight, having won just two of their last six away games in the league. They have also kept clean sheets in three of their last four matches on the road.
City’s preparation for this game has been overshadowed by several positive tests for COVID-19. Gabriel Jesus, Kyle Walker and Ederson have and two other unnamed players will miss out on this game due to positive tests. USA international Zak Steffan looks set for his Premier League debut.
Conclusion
City would have been favourites for the clash if they had the full complement of players. However, with several players likely to be sidelined, they are still favourites, but it may be less clearcut. Chelsea are not in great form, so we are backing the draw in this clash. We are also taking a punt on under 2.5 goals scored, with City’s recent defensive displays contributing to a low-scoring affair.
Verdict: We are backing the draw at odds of 13/5 and/or under 2.5 goals scored at odds of 11/10. (All odds are taken from Bet365).
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Who will come out on top in this big Premier League clash?
