Manchester City vs Chelsea 11/02/19

11 February 2019

Sunday’s Premier League action concludes with a heavyweight, blockbuster clash between Manchester City and Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium.

The PL title contenders currently share the top spot with Liverpool although they’ve played out one game more than the Reds. The Citizens have managed to bounce back from a shock 2-1 road loss to Newcastle United, clinching back-to-back league victories in which they’ve bagged five goals while conceded only one in the process. Having secured more points at home (36) than any other side in the English top flight, the reigning holders have entered this fixture with a three-game home winning run. Not only they boast the best attacking home record in the Premier League, but Pep Guardiola’s men have scored over 1.5 goals per match in all 13 PL home meetings, something no other English team managed to perform this term.

On the other hand, the visitors have announced their return to form with an outstanding 5-0 win over Huddersfield Town last weekend, bringing a two-game PL losing streak to an end. Currently fourth-placed, the Blues’ Champions League promotion is on the line as fifth-placed Manchester United threat to overtake the UCL slot in case Maurizio Sarri’s men fail to live up to expectations at Etihad. Far more comfortable at home, the Pensioners have already suffered four defeats on 12 PL road trips this campaign (W7, D1, L4), which is 80% of their overall losses this season. Moreover, Chelsea come into this meeting after losing two consecutive PL road meetings with a disastrous -6 goal difference (S0, C6). Another potential worry for Sarri is that his players struggled to hit the net in their last three road clashes across all competitions.

Provisional line-up – Manchester City:

Gk: Ederson Defense: Laporte – Stones – Otamendi – Walker Midfield: Fernandinho – David Silva – De Bruyne Attack: Bernardo Silva – Sane – Aguero

Provisional line-up – Chelsea:

Gk: Arrizabalaga Defense: Marcos Alonso – David Luiz – Christiansen – Azpilicueta Midfield: Kante – Jorginho – Ross Barkley Attack: Willian – Eden Hazard – Higuain