The Premier League title race will be hanging in the balance this weekend as leaders Chelsea host their closest challengers, defending champions Manchester City.
City have once again slipped behind Chelsea after drawing level with the leaders just a few weeks ago. Now, they must be the first team to take something from the fortress that is Stamford Bridge if they wish to keep the title race alive.
Read on below for our preview of this top-of-the-table clash. And for more exciting Premier League action, check out our preview of Liverpool vs. West Ham.
[sc:Soccer240banner ]This year’s Premier League title is very much at stake. Leaders Chelsea could go a massive eight points clear of City with a win. Meanwhile, City will be just two points behind and right back in the thick of the title chase if they overcome the Blues at the Bridge.
Betting on Manchester City
Man City are squandering their chances of successfully defending their title. After drawing level with Chelsea at the top of the table, the champions have now dropped five points in their last two games – a 1-1 away draw at Everton and a shock 2-0 home loss against Arsenal.
City dominated possession and created a fair amount of goalscoring opportunities against Arsenal, but some poor finishing let them down. Star striker Sergio Aguero was noticeably lacking in sharpness as he made his first start since a prolonged injury layoff.
Yaya Toure’s absence in midfield has also continued to haunt the champions. They’re still winless with Toure out of the lineup since last April. City could also be without former Chelsea star Frank Lampard, who was injured in a recent friendly in Abu Dhabi.
The midfield duo of Fernando and Fernandinho are solid in defense, but neither can provide the offensive threat of Toure or Lampard. With both missing, Aguero and David Silva will need to be at their very best to break through a very stingy Chelsea defense.
City’s own defense has been quite suspect in recent weeks, but the return to full fitness of captain and centerback Vincent Kompany should help them in their tough away trip. City have been excellent away from home this season. They’re 7-1-3 on the season, and are unbeaten in their last six away games (4-0-2).
Betting on Chelsea
The mini Chelsea crisis is officially over. After dropping points in back-to-back away games against Southampton (1-1) and Tottenham (5-3), the Blues have responded with comfortable wins over Newcastle (2-0) and Swansea (5-0).
Manager Jose Mourinho called his side’s demolition of Swansea a “perfect” performance and it’s hard to argue with that assessment. The Blues’ defense kept a clean sheet, while Oscar and top scorer Diego Costa (17 goals this season) each scored two first half goals to seal the game by halftime.
Speaking of perfect, Chelsea’s record at home has been absolutely immaculate. They’ve won all 10 of their games at Stamford Bridge this season, with 24 goals scored and just three conceded. City will pose the toughest test to Chelsea’s unbeaten home record to date, but the Blues should fancy their chances against the struggling champions.
Chelsea’s midfield combo of Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas has been outstanding for most of the season. Their job of shielding the defense will be made a lot easier with City’s powerhouse midfielder Yaya Toure still on duty at the African Cup of Nations.
Meanwhile, the in-form Costa (three goals in his last three games) and the rest of the Chelsea’s league-leading attack (51 goals) will look to expose a City defense that has given up eight goals in its last five games.
Writer’s Prediction
Chelsea scores another big win on their march to the title. Take the Blues to win, 1-0, at home. Create a betting account now and score big on all the great Premier League action.
