Chelsea and Manchester City face off in the early Premier League kick-off on Saturday. While Chelsea sit top of the table, City are 5th but both teams are only separated by 3 points as the race for the League heats up. This will be the 4th meeting between both sides in about 6 months and the pressure will be on Pep Guardiola. That’s because he’s yet to get the better of Chelsea’s manager. Since Thomas Tuchel arrived at Chelsea, Pep Guardiola has faced Chelsea 3 times and lost all 3 including the Champions League final. Guardiola will be hoping to finally find the formula to solve his Chelsea enigma.
Chelsea VS Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday. Click here to bet on nairabet.com.
TUCHEL’S CHELSEA
When Chelsea fired Frank Lampard and appointed Thomas Tuchel in January 2021, eyebrows were raised. Tuchel had just been fired by PSG for failing to win the Champions League. 4 months later, Tuchel led Chelsea to Champions League glory beating Guardiola’s City in the final. Chelsea’s decision to appoint Tuchel had been justified. Tuchel himself had also been justified following his cruel dismissal by PSG despite reaching the Champions League final. The German has since led Chelsea to win the UEFA Super Cup as well.
This season has also began exactly how Chelsea fans wanted. They are top of the Premier League table and have not conceded a single goal in open play despite facing Arsenal and Spurs away from home. Several pundits and observers have pointed out Tuchel’s Chelsea as the team to beat this season. A visit from the reigning Premier League Champions would be a daunting task for any team but not Chelsea. Having already gotten the better of City in their last 3 outings, you wouldn’t be out of place if you bet on Chelsea to record another victory.
Chelsea have won their last 3 games against Man City. They are priced at 2.65 odds to beat City again. Click here to bet on nairabet.com.
GUARDIOLA’S MANCHESTER CITY
Manchester City have started yet another season in slow fashion but write them off at your own peril. City had a similar slow start to last season but embarked on a 25 match winning streak on their way to the Title. They were on the brink on a treble until they met Tuchel’s Chelsea in the Champions League final. Having lost the last 2 times against Chelsea, Guardiola shocked everyone by naming a starting XI without any defensive midfielder in that final. The plan backfired badly as Chelsea dominated the game and went on to win the Champions League.
It will be interesting to see what Pep plans to do to stop high-flying Chelsea who are threatening to widen the gap between both teams on Saturday. City could present the toughest challenge for The blues who are yet to concede from open play. If any team can score goals, it is Manchester City. The Citizens ran riot against Norwich and Arsenal, winning both games 5-0. City also need to bounce back after their surprising goalless draw at home with Southampton last weekend.
Manchester City are priced @ a huge 2.85 odds against Chelsea. Click here to back City on nairabet.com.
HEAD TO HEAD
Chelsea have a superior head-to-head record over Manchester City. In 169 games between them, Chelsea have won 71 times while City have won 59 times. The pair have drawn 39 times. Chelsea have also won their last 3 games against Man City but they lost their last game against City at Stamford Bridge.
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