Allen Hamilton
What: English Premier League
Who: Manchester City vs Chelsea
When: Wednesday 21st March, 2012, at 19:45 UK Time
Where: Eastlands, Manchester, England
A Chasing Game Now
Manchester City sat on top of the Premier League for so long that it almost appeared Roberto Mancini’s men were coasting to the title. However, in sport timing is everything and Manchester United have pounced. Now the Citizens must do the chasing.
In truth, the title is still Manchester City’s to lose. With a game in hand on their fierce rivals and the opportunity to host the Red Devils at Eastlands in April, the current four-point gap between the two could easily be transformed into a two-point City lead. To do that though, with Sir Alex Ferguson’s men in superb league form and peaking right on schedule, City must not drop points, no matter the opponents.
The Citizens’ strikers have dropped their goal return in the second half of the season, which could make Carlos Tevez’ proposed comeback crucial in this clash. City will also be aware that Chelsea have experienced an upturn in fortunes after boss Andre Villas-Boas was sacked. And with the exception of a 4-2 win at Stamford Bridge in 2010, recent clashes between the two have been right, with Chelsea winning both 2011’s fixtures.
City are stuttering, with one win in three and that win not being enough to keep the side in the Europa League. Now is the time for Mancini to be inspirational and push his troops over the final hill.
Senior Pros with Point to Prove
Chelsea may still not qualify for next season’s Champions League, but the Blues are giving themselves every possible chance. The sacking of Andre Villas-Boas, after the Portuguese’s less than fruitful relationship with several of the club’s senior professionals, has seen caretaker boss Roberto Di Matteo reaping the rewards of players with a point to prove. Even Fernando Torres has got in on the act, ending a 24 match scoring drought by hitting two in the weekend FA Cup win over Leicester City.
Whether the improvement has come too late for Chelsea to dislodge either Arsenal or Tottenham Hotspur in a top four position remains to be seen, but Manchester City are suddenly facing a side high in confidence and feasting on determination.
Chelsea’s run has also betrayed a willingness to scrap for victory which appeared absent under Villas-Boas. The extra mile needed to be gone in extra time of the club’s Champions League clash against Napoli, while Stoke City had defended for their lives with ten men just days earlier at Stamford Bridge. Similar grit will be needed and, given the Citizens’ faltering form, Di Matteo should approach the contest with a degree of confidence.
Recent form
Manchester City:
Sporting Lisbon 1-0 Manchester City (08/03; Europa League)
Swansea City 1-0 Manchester City (11/03; Premier League)
Manchester City 3-2 Sporting Lisbon (15/03; Europa League)
Chelsea:
Birmingham City 0-2 Chelsea (06/03; FA Cup)
Chelsea 1-0 Stoke City (10/03; Premier League)
Chelsea 4-1 Napoli AET (14/03; Champions League)
Key absences
Manchester City: Gareth Barry (doubt); Joleon Lescott (doubt); Vincent Kompany (doubt); Pablo Zabaleta (doubt)
Chelsea: John Terry (doubt)
Players to watch
Manchester City – Sergio Aguero: Much attention may have been focused on the potential return of Carlos Tevez, but the man bought to replace the Argentine is continuing to excel. Aguero scored twice in City’s 3-2 Europa League victory over Sporting Lisbon and, even if the scoreline was not enough to send the Citizens through, it at least saw the former Atletico Madrid man hitting form.
Chelsea – Fernando Torres: The Spaniard ended a mammoth goal drought against Leicester at the weekend, but scoring against Championship opposition and breaching Manchester City’s backline are two different kettles of fish. It remains to be seen whether Torres really is back on song.
Match Prediction
This is a crucial game for both sides. For Manchester City, it is essential to close the gap with Manchester United – and quickly. While Chelsea still harbour hopes of a Champions League finish – indeed, it is the reason for which Villas-Boas was sacked. In a hard-fought match, expect a draw. Manchester City 1-1 Chelsea.
Manchester City v Chelsea is without doubt the highlight of the week’s football. Who will win? Make sure you visit OLBG for tips and to compare the current odds and betting markets available at all the important bookmakers.
