What: English Premier League
Who: Manchester City (4th; 8 points) vs Chelsea (1st; 15 points)
When: Saturday 25th September, 2010, at 12:45 UK time
Where: City of Manchester Stadium, Manchester, England
Road to Success
Ever since September 2008, Manchester City have wanted to break into the Premier League’s “Top Four” club and establish themselves as de-facto contenders for every season’s title. This time around, The Citizens appear to be gradually approaching their goal, sitting currently in fourth place. A convincing win against holders Chelsea would surely mark Roberto Mancini’s men as legitimate suitors for the title.
In similar fashion to their weekend opponents, the Sky Blues also crashed out of the League Cup, at the hands of West Bromwich Albion. With the match against Chelsea well carved into Mancini’s mind, the Italian tactician abstained from selecting his best starting eleven, eventually paying the price against the Midlands club. However, the serious part starts this Saturday, and with the increasing likelihood of Carlos Tevez, James Milner et al. all starting, City could very well have what it takes to inflict upon Chelsea their first league defeat of the season.
League Cup Cries
It might “just” have been the Carling Cup, but Chelsea faced their first disappointment of the season as they crashed out against Newcastle United, with the Toon Army eventually clinching qualification rights from the current league champions in what was a complete thriller on Wednesday night at Stamford Bridge.
The reigning Premier League champions will have to swiftly turn their focus towards defending their crown now though, as they prepare to take a trip up north to face heavy summer spenders Manchester City. Whenever the league is concerned, The Pensioners are second to none, as they sit comfortably in first position in the standings, four points clear of next week’s opponents Arsenal. Chelsea have been a true battering ram yet again this season under Carlo Ancelotti, one that could very well destroy City’s stronghold.
Recent form
Manchester City:
Salzburg 0-2 Manchester City (16/09; Europa League)
Wigan Athletic 0-2 Manchester City (19/09; Premier League)
West Bromwich Albion 2-1 Manchester City (22/09; League Cup)
Chelsea:
MSK Zilina 1-4 Chelsea (15/09; Champions League)
Chelsea 4-0 Blackpool (19/09; Premier League)
Chelsea 3-4 Newcastle United (22/09; League Cup)
Key absences
Manchester City: Joleon Lescott; Mario Balotelli; Aleksandar Kolarov; Emmanuel Adebayor; Jerome Boateng (doubt)
Chelsea: Jose Bosingwa; Frank Lampard (doubt); Salomon Kalou (doubt); Yossi Benayoun (doubt)
Players to watch
Manchester City – Joe Hart: The Citizens’ first-choice custodian was rested in for the club’s midweek action, knowing very well that he will be reinstated into the starting line-up against Chelsea. Hart has truly been exceptional between the sticks for Manchester City this year, and a fine display this weekend would see his stock skyrocket even higher, both domestically and internationally.
Chelsea – John Terry: The centre back often appears to be a bellweather for the Stamford Bridge side and a good performance can set the tone for a dominant Chelsea performance. Of course, Terry must banish the demons that were so apparent against City last season when the Wayne Bridge affair was hogging the airwaves. Against a strong frontline it won’t be easy.
Match prediction
The Carling Cup match aside, Chelsea have been steamrolling opponents as of late; the 2008 Champions League finalists have only conceded a single goal since the campaign got underway, and should they control the match’s tempo, they could very well claim all spoils against City. However, a shaky display – particularly in their defence – could open up the game and turn it into a goals-galore clash.
