Defending champions Manchester City travel to face European champions Chelsea in this weekend’s headline fixture. Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea appear to have become the kryptonite of Pep Guardiola, having won the pair’s last three encounters. Two those victories came in cup competitions, meaning a quadruple-chasing Manchester City had to settle for a double. Pep would be eager to put that record straight, even more so having seen his side drop unnecessary points at home to Southampton last time out. There’s already a three point gap opened up between the two teams.
When: Sunday, 25th September, 12:30 PM (BST)
Where: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
How to watch in India: The match will be broadcasted on Star Sports Select 2/HD, and streamed on Hotstar VIP
Chelsea vs Manchester City: H2H
Played: 48
Chelsea: 27
Draws: 7
Manchester City: 14
Opta Stats
- Chelsea have won their last three meetings with Man City in all competitions, in the FA Cup, Premier League and Champions League. They last had a longer winning run against the Citizens between December 2005 and March 2009 (8 games).
- Manchester City have won three of their last six Premier League away games against Chelsea (L3), more than they had in their previous 23 visits to Stamford Bridge in the top flight (W2 D8 L13). The Citizens are looking to win back-to-back away top-flight games vs Chelsea for the first time since January 1955.
- None of the last 12 Premier League meetings between Chelsea and Manchester City have been drawn, with Chelsea winning five to City’s seven.
- Chelsea and Manchester City have the joint-best defensive records in the Premier League this season, with just one goal conceded each (also level with Liverpool). Meanwhile, the Blues have an xG against figure of 5.5, conceding over four goals fewer than would be expected based on the quality of chances faced – the best such difference in the division this term.
- Chelsea have kept 15 clean sheets in 24 Premier League games under Thomas Tuchel, more than any other side since the German took charge.
Team News
Edouard Mendy has not featured in the last two games due to a hip injury but is expected to be back for this one. Christian Pulisic though still remains sidelined. Tuchel also confirmed yesterday that Mason Mount is ruled out after suffering a knock in midweek.
Man City have a few injury problems. Oleksandr Zinchenko and İlkay Gündoğan are unlikely to feature. Aymeric Laporte, John Stones and Rodri are doubtful.
Prediction
Surely Pep Guardiola can’t lose four in a row against the same club, can he? Perhaps not. This is no doubt going to be a tight, tense encounter with defenses coming out on top. Chelsea at the moment look capable of keeping out even the most potent attacks, so can this goal-shy Man City penetrate this rearguard? I think they will struggle against Chelsea. Both clubs have conceded just one goal this season, and given both teams’ excellent defenses, I think we could have a cagey stalemate encounter.
Prediction: Chelsea 0-0 Manchester City