Will City Fall Behind the Leaders?
Chelsea Football Club has recently struggled with poor performances. The Londoners not only suffered a humiliating defeat to Paris St. Germain in the Champions League round of 16, but have also won just one of their last six Premier League matches. They have lost three of their last four matches in the top flight. In the standings, the reigning Conference League champions have slipped to sixth place.
While qualification for the Champions League—their original target—remains possible, there is also a real risk of slipping out of the European spots. The Blues therefore desperately need points, but based on my Chelsea vs. Manchester City prediction for Sunday, they are likely to come away empty-handed.
Despite their elimination from the Champions League, the long-time league leaders are in impressive form. In the FA Cup, Liverpool were brought to their knees with a 4-0 defeat, and the EFL Cup final against Arsenal also went 2-0 to Guardiola’s side, who, incidentally, have also won four of their last five away matches against their upcoming opponent.
For Sunday, I also recommend a Chelsea vs. Manchester City prediction on the visitors to take all three points. After all, the Blues are currently ranked only twelfth in the home table. Manager Liam Rosenior is facing heavy criticism following recent results, and the turmoil surrounding Enzo Fernandez’s suspension hasn’t exactly helped the CFC enter this crucial top-of-the-table clash feeling liberated and confident.
The Chelsea vs. Manchester City odds on Haaland as a goalscorer are also interesting. The Norwegian had already scored 19 goals in his first 17 Premier League matches leading up to Christmas. Since then, however, he has added just three more goals in eleven matches, two of them from the penalty spot. Last week, however, the superstar scored three goals against Liverpool, so in my opinion, he’s on his way back to his old self.
Chelsea – Manchester City Head-to-Head Record
Chelsea has recently been one of Manchester City’s favorite opponents. The Blues have been waiting for a win against Pep’s team since May 2021. The Londoners haven’t won any of their last nine Premier League clashes against the Sky Blues (0-3-6).
At home, too, the former Champions League winners have primarily suffered defeats. Chelsea has also lost four of their last five PL home games at Stamford Bridge. At least the first leg is a memory they’ll look back on fondly. Despite being clearly outplayed, Cole Palmer and Co. managed to scrape a 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium.
Chelsea – Manchester City Prediction
On paper, the Chelsea vs. Manchester City matchup is a high-profile top-of-the-table clash. In the standings, it’s a clash between sixth and second place, though in recent weeks only the Sky Blues have truly lived up to their reputation as a top team.
Pep’s side thrashed Liverpool 4-0, won the EFL Cup with a 2-0 victory over Arsenal, and are also true April specialists. Of their last 31 Premier League matches in the fourth month of the year, the Cityzens have won 28 (!). Four of the last five Premier League away matches at Stamford Bridge have also gone to Manchester City.
In contrast, the Blues from London are currently going through a rough patch. The capital club has lost four of its last five competitive matches. Manager Rosenior is already fearing for his job again, and the disappointing performances in front of their home crowd are further evidence that City are rightly considered the favorites.
