Prediction and odds: Chelsea (17/4) vs Manchester City (8/13)

We’re backing Draw/Man City (HT/FT) at 7/2

When: Thursday, 5th January 2022 – 8pm KO (GMT)

Where: Stamford Bridge

Chelsea will attempt to get their season back on track when they battle the reigning Premier League champions Manchester City this week.

Chelsea

Chelsea Football Club is a proud institution within English football and we all know that to be true. However, so far this season, they haven’t quite been able to produce the results expected of them. The appointment of Graham Potter was expected to assist in the matter but it’s clear now that with their problems up top, they have to look towards the summer – at the very least – before the man in charge can make substantial changes.

A return to action for the Blues came on December 27th when they came up against a Bournemouth side that, thankfully for them, is currently in a spot of bother. An underwhelming 2-0 win got them back on the winning trail but unfortunately, that didn’t last as they lacked a cutting edge in front of goal against Nottingham Forest en route to a 1-1 draw that won’t do anything for their confidence.

Manchester City

Over the course of the last few years, Manchester City have been the top dogs both in the Premier League and in the cup competitions. Pep Guardiola has been the one to get them to that point and, if he has his way, European domination won’t be too far away. They find themselves in another title race this season and in this particular instance, they have the chance to cut away at Arsenal’s lead in what could serve as a huge switch in momentum.

City returned earlier than most on December 22nd to face off against Liverpool in the League Cup. After a hard fought battle, they came away with a 3-2 win to head into the quarter-finals. They proceeded to fend off a gritty Leeds side with a 3-1 victory, only to run into Everton on New Year’s Eve, dropping a pretty surprising 1-1 draw in the process that had many scratching their heads.

Conclusion

We expect to see Chelsea put up more of a fight than they have done as of late, largely because they’re at home and Potter will react to the idea of his side being the underdog. In equal measure, there’s pressure on City to perform after dropping points, although that may just motivate them as it has done so often in the past.

We think the hosts will be able to take this one through to a goalless half time scoreline. Alas, the champions are simply too strong, and they’ll prove that by pushing out to a 2-0 triumph that closes the gap on the Gunners.

Our tips (all taken from bet365): Draw/Man City (HT/FT) at 7/2 + under 2.5 goals at 1/1

[geosnippet id=3620]

If you’re looking at other bookmakers in order to check out alternates for Chelsea vs Manchester City go ahead and visit our betting page. Alternatively, see what other big games are on the cards via the soccer predictions page.