In the Premier League game of the weekend, Manchester City host Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening.

Manchester City (Odds of 2/5 for victory)

The reigning champions dropped to fourth-place in the Premier League in gameweek 12 after a 3-1 defeat at league leaders Liverpool. The defeat leaves the Citizens a massive nine points behind the Merseysider’s in the title race.

Despite the recent defeat against the Reds, City have still won five of their last seven matches in the Premier League. The defeat at Anfield ended a three-game winning run in the English top-flight for Pep Guardiola’s team.

City’s top-flight games dating back to last season have been high-scoring, with over 2.5 goals scored in 11 of their last 13 matches.

Unsurprisingly considering that City won the Premier League last season, the Citizens have a formidable recent home record in the league, having recorded 13 wins in their last 15 outings. A key to their recent good league form has been their attacking prowess, as they have scored at least two goals in five of their last six home matches in the Premier League.

City have impressed defensively against Chelsea in recent seasons, keeping clean sheets in four of the last five meetings between the two teams.

Chelsea (Odds of 11/2 for victory)

The visitors head into this clash a point and place above the reigning English champions. The Blues have won their last six Premier League games while scoring at least twice in each of the six victories. Last time out in the top-flight, Frank Lampard’s team recorded a 2-0 home win over Crystal Palace.

The Blues recent top-flight games have been high-scoring, with over 2.5 goals scored in seven of their last ten league outings.

Lampard’s side has been strong on their travels in the Premier League, winning their last five away matches in the top-flight this season. Once again, they have been prolific in front of goal, scoring at least twice in their last five league matches on their travels.

One big contributing factor in the Blues free-scoring form this season has been the form of England international striker Tammy Abraham. The 22-year-old forward has scored ten goals in 12 top-flight appearances this season. Winger Christian Pulisic and attacking midfielder Mason Mount have contributed five and four league goals this season.

The Blues have struggled for results against Manchester City of late, winning just once of their last five meetings with the team from the English capital.

Conclusion

This is a massive and potential crucial game for the home side. The Citizens cannot afford another slip-up. We believe City will have enough to see off the threat of the Blues.

The bets we are backing over the over 3.5 goals scored at evens and Abraham to score at anytime at odds of 7/4. We are backing over the high-scoring game, as City and Chelsea are both better going forward than defending, while Abraham can exploit those weaknesses in the Citizens backline.

Verdict: Back the over 3.5 goals scored at evens and or Tammy Abraham to score anytime at odds of 7/4.

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