English champions Chelsea will host Manchester City in Saturday’s late Premier League kick-off from Stamford Bridge. The Blues have started their title defence in good fashion barring the 3-2 defeat to Burnley in the curtain raiser. Meanwhile, Manchester City have remained unbeaten since the start of the campaign, and they have only dropped points in the 1-1 draw against Everton last month. As a result, they are leading the Premier League standings with 16 points, three ahead of Chelsea, who occupy the third position.
Previous meeting:
The Blues did the double over the Citizens last term with Eden Hazard finding the scoresheet in both games. The Belgium international notched a 90th-minute goal in the 3-1 triumph at the Etihad Stadium while notching a brace in the 2-1 win in the reverse fixture.
Players to watch for:
Alvaro Morata – Chelsea:
The Spain international cannot do anything wrong at his new club, having notched seven goals in as many games for the Blues. The City backline has largely gone untroubled barring the Bournemouth game which they won. However, with Morata around, the likes of John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi are likely to be tested as they are not the most agile when it comes to tracking backwards. Morata has already shown his extreme pace in and around the opposition box, and the Citizens have their work cut out to stop the in-form striker.
Kevin de Bruyne – Manchester City:
The Belgian has excelled under Pep Guardiola this term, pulling the strings from a deeper midfield role. De Bruyne has already picked up three assists for the campaign, but it is his vision and passing which has earned him plaudits. The former Wolfsburg man has also been the main set-piece taker for City and his precise delivery could provide an outlet for the likes of John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi to score.
Prediction:
Chelsea have kept clean sheets in their previous two home outings, but this game will involve goals.
Chelsea 2-2 Manchester City
Image – Getty