A prime of the desk six-pointer on Saturday as league leaders Manchester Metropolis welcome nearest rivals, Chelsea.
The defending champions have been ruthless in going about their enterprise, sitting 10 factors clear on the prime.
𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙏𝙞𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙍𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙪𝙚𝙨… 🍿#ManCity pic.twitter.com/mak25OKIHT
— Manchester Metropolis (@ManCity) January 13, 2022
Pep Guardiola’s aspect are undefeated of their final seven matches throughout all competitions, successful memorably proper on the loss of life in opposition to Arsenal final day out. Metropolis have had every week’s relaxation and coaching to arrange for this important tie, the place a win will nearly definitely strengthen their case of successful the league crown once more.
Brilliantly carried out. 👏
Extra of our greatest in opposition to tomorrow’s opponents! ⤵️
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 14, 2022
The return of the COVID-affected gamers can be an extra boon for Guardiola, and so they stay the highest scorers with 53 already this season. Metropolis have been in imperious type for a lot of the marketing campaign, and will certainly fancy their probabilities at residence to increase their lead additional.
Chelsea accomplished a cushty double over Spurs to enter the ultimate of the Carabao Cup. Granted they won’t be as recent as their opponents, solely getting two days to arrange however Thomas Tuchel has been on a roll since his arrival in England.
Romelu Lukaku is firmly within the good books of each supervisor and followers as he continues to begin up entrance. Tuchel’s crew haven’t proven the identical defensive solidity that they confirmed final season however with Antonio Rudiger in prime type and Malang Sarr being publicly appreciated for his appearances, the Blues appear to be getting higher.
They desperately want a win on the Etihad, having drawn 4 of their final 5 league video games, realizing they can not afford to fall additional behind within the race.
TEAM NEWS
Metropolis can be lacking their main objective scorer throughout all competitions in Riyad Mahrez who’s away on AFCON responsibility. Kyle Walker ought to slot again in at proper again with Joao Cancelo shifting to the opposite flank.
PROBABLE LINE-UP: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Cancelo; Rodri, De Bruyne, Silva; Foden, Jesus, Sterling
Watch Thomas Tuchel preview #MciChe dwell! 🎙 https://t.co/qXT4hvxCDY
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 14, 2022
Tuchel welcomed again N’Golo Kante and Thiago Silva final night time, each of whom ought to instantly slot again into the beginning lineup.
PROBABLE LINE-UP: Kepa; Rudiger, Sarr, Silva; Azpilicueta, Kante, Kovacic; Alonso; Mount, Werner; Lukaku
GAMECHANGERS
The battle down the flanks can be an fascinating watch and Metropolis definitely have the higher hand on paper. Raheem Sterling has thrived since being given a constant run of video games and that has helped him rating seven occasions within the league already. Taking part in down his regular left flank, Sterling’s low centre of gravity and uncanny skill to pounce on the rebound contained in the penalty field has helped him rating all through his profession.
Raheem Sterling both scored or assisted in each Premier League sport in December:
🅰️ vs. Aston Villa
⚽️ vs. Watford
⚽️ vs. Wolves
⚽️ vs. Newcastle
⚽️⚽️ vs. LeicesterThe month the place he joined the 💯 membership. pic.twitter.com/YM3kfjuMpX
— Squawka Soccer (@Squawka) January 6, 2022
Cesar Azpilicueta is a advantageous athlete however he will definitely really feel overwhelmed by Sterling and Cancelo on his aspect. Sterling is aware of that he can carry the ball over lengthy distances and Metropolis are knowledgeable in switching the ball from the again shortly. Chelsea have three bulking defenders however Sterling can utilise his nous to isolate defenders out of their place as a way to free runners in behind too.
Mason Mount is having yet one more advantageous season on the prime degree, having already bested his objective tally within the league from final season. Seven objectives and 5 assists sees him lead each charts for the Blues, together with his quantity 10 position key in dominating groups. Mount has refined his play as a way to play all forms of passes, together with crosses, by means of balls, and from set-pieces.
Glad Birthday Mason Mount 🎂
🏟 91 PL Appearances
⚽️ 20 Targets
🅰️ 15 Assists🏆 1 Champions League
🏆 1 Tremendous CupHe turns 2️⃣3️⃣ as we speak! #CFC | #Chelsea | @masonmount_10 pic.twitter.com/KaJwxZa5ol
— EPL Statman (@EPLStatman) January 10, 2022
The 23-year-old additionally has a knack for waltzing by means of defences on the counter, and his versatility in motion permits him to select up the ball wherever on the pitch. Metropolis can be glad to have Rodri again as a way to cope with Mount but it surely won’t be all plain crusing. Kante’s return will give Tuchel one other fast runner to assist Mount and the ahead line which may overload our bodies in assault.
PREDICTIONS
Metropolis claimed a slender 1-0 win within the reverse fixture and they’re going to gladly take a repeat this time. Chelsea don’t have any resort however to win, as they should put an finish to the run of attracts instantly. FootTheBall predicts a 1-1 draw between the 2 behemoths.
