Manchester City vs Chelsea Match Preview

Manchester City vs Chelsea Match Preview

Venue: Etihad Stadium
Date: 21st September 2014
Time: 8.30 IST

Chelsea travel to Greater Manchester as they get ready to take on defending champions Manchester City. With both the sides unable to win against their respective German opponents this week, Man City were denied a point by their former employee Boateng scoring a winner for his current team and brought home all three points for the German side. Where as Chelsea couldn't convert innumerable chances into goals against an injury hit Schalke side.

Team News:

Manchester City:

City have been plagued with injuries of late. With their Chilean manager having difficulties in selecting a competitive side each game. As the games come thick and fast, and with a number of major players missing, the results need to be positive for the blue half of Manchester. Yaya Toure played the game against Bayern, partnering Fernandinho. But new midfield acquisition Fernando is still struggling for fitness. We could see Lampard starting against his former side. With Zabaleta allowed now after serving a one game champions league suspension, Sagna goes on the bench. Other than that the defence looks stable. But the major dilemma for City's coach is the striker position. Would it either be Aguero or Dzeko? With Dzeko edging the criteria for this game for us.

Probable Line-up: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Demichelis, Clichy, Fernandinho, Lampard, Silva, Nasri, Navas, Dzeko.

Chelsea:

Chelsea's rampant form was halted this week, with the Blues from London only managing a draw from the Champions league fixture against Schalke 04. Chelsea took a lead through Cesc Fabregas, after an amazing Eden Hazard run and assist. Oscar was replaced by Willian, Schurrle made way for Ramires. But the game in major talking was the legend Didier Drogba starting. The legend was starting his first game at Stamford Bridge since his last visit as a Gala player. Luis was preferred to Azpi, who will be back on the field for the coming City game.
With Diego Costa not fully fit, Mourinho is taking risk with the striker of further injuring himself. Gary Cahil John Terry Ivanovic all would be sure starters. Chelsea could either pack the midfield with 5 men or can go the for the attacking 4-2-3-1.

Probable Line-up: Cortious, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpi, Matic, Ramires, Hazard, Fabregas, Schurrle, Costa.

Prediction: City 1-2 Chelsea