Manchester City vs Chelsea predictions and match preview

Manchester City will be looking to keep their place at the top of the Premier League when they welcome Chelsea to the Etihad on Sunday.

Going into this weekend’s round of fixtures, City sit atop the table ahead of Liverpool on goal difference, as they look to become the first team to retain the Premier League title since 2009.

Read on for Man City v Chelsea live stream options, team news, predicted XIs, stats and TV channel info.

When is Manchester City vs Chelsea?

Competition: Premier League

Venue: Etihad Stadium

Date: Sunday, 10 February

Kick-off: 4:00 PM GMT

Match preview

Manchester City’s 2-0 win over Everton in midweek saw them sit at the top of the Premier League table for the first time since December 4th.

Pep Guardiola’s side lost top spot due to a 2-0 away defeat to Chelsea, ending their hopes of finishing the Premier League season unbeaten and handing Liverpool the chance to rule the division.

Now, City must welcome Chelsea to the Etihad on Sunday knowing they could either be fighting to return to the top or looking to put daylight between themselves and Liverpool.

In the past two games, Liverpool have been unable to deal with the pressure of their opponents playing first with two consecutive 1-1 draws allowing Man City the chance to draw level with their win over Everton – albeit having played one game more.

On the other side of things, Chelsea will be looking to put together consecutive Premier League wins for the first time since the end of December as they try to keep hold of their place in the top four.

The Blues are currently just two points clear of Manchester United in fifth, with the Red Devils playing struggling Fulham in Saturday’s early kickoff.

Where can I watch live?

UK residents can watch Manchester City’s game against Chelsea on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, channels 401 and 402 respectively on Sky and channels 501 and 502 respectively for Virgin Media users.

Are Man City in control of the Premier League?

Going into this weekend’s Premier League action, Manchester City are in first place in the Premier League, having closed the large seven-point gap Liverpool once boasted.

But, despite added calls of Liverpool’s failure to deal with the pressure imposed on them, Pep Guardiola’s side are in no means in control of their own fate.

Only top on goal difference, City have played one more game than Liverpool as it stands and, having faced the Reds twice already, must rely on other teams to help in their quest to retain the Premier League title.

And this is something Guardiola is mindful of, even going as far as admitting the top six are all still in contention for the title.

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Will Chelsea finish in the top four?

Despite their strong start to the season under Maurizio Sarri, Chelsea have tailed off from the leading pack and now their place in the Premier League’s top four looks in doubt.

The Blues are just two points clear of Manchester United in fifth and three ahead of sixth-placed Arsenal and could end the weekend in sixth should results not go their way.

Chelsea also still have four of the top six teams to play once more in the Premier League, including Manchester City – with only one of the four matches at Stamford Bridge.

Head-to-head

Chelsea’s win at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season ended a run of three consecutive defeats at the hands of Manchester City including the 2018 Community Shield. It also extended Chelsea’s all-time record over City with 67 wins to the Citizens’ 55.

Manchester City wins: 55 Draws: 39 Chelsea wins: 67

Team news

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed neither Vincent Kompany nor Benjamin Mendy will be available for the Chelsea clash having failed to recover from injuries. The Spaniard has left some guessing with his team selections of late, but may look for a more conventional XI this weekend.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have no fresh injury problems with only Callum Hudson-Odoi and Gary Cahill doubts – though they were not expected to be in the reckoning. As a result, Chelsea are likely to remain unchanged from their side which beat Huddersfield Town, with Gonzalo Higuain leading the line.

Predicted Man City XI: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Otamendi, Laporte; Fernandinho; David Silva, De Bruyne; Sane, Aguero, Sterling.

Predicted Chelsea XI:  Arrizabalaga; Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Luiz, Alonso; Jorginho; Kante, Barkley; Willian, Higuain, Hazard.

Squawka Prediction

Chelsea may have got one over on Man City in December, but the Blues look a far cry from the team which ending Guardiola’s unbeaten run. Man City 2-0 Chelsea.

Predictions & Betting Tips

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1. Sergio Aguero to score first @ 10/3

Ten years ago Chelsea were linked with a move for Sergio Aguero but opted to keep faith in Didier Drogba. And the Argentine forward has been making them pay ever since.

Though Drogba would go on to lead Chelsea to the Champions League, Aguero was younger and, at Man City, rarely wastes an opportunity to show the Blues what they are missing out on.

Only against Newcastle has Aguero scored more goals than he has against Chelsea and his presence was sorely missed in December’s league game.

Key Stat: Sergio Aguero has scored 12 goals in 17 games against Chelsea.

Tip: Sergio Aguero to score first @ 10/3 with BetBull – bet here

Odds correct at time of publishing (08/02/2019, 15:15)

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2. Both teams to score NO @ Evens

Despite their 5-0 win against Huddersfield last time out, Chelsea have been struggling for goals of late.

The Blues are the lowest-scorers in the Premier League’s top six with 45 goals, 27 of which came in the first 12 games of the season.

Manchester City, meanwhile, have failed to score just twice in the Premier League this season, against Liverpool and Chelsea.

Key Stat: Chelsea have failed to score in their past two Premier League away games, losing both.

Tip: Both teams to score NO @ Evens with BetBull – bet here

Odds correct at time of publishing (08/02/2019, 15:15)

18+ only. Ts&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org

3. Under 2.5 goals @ 5/4

Chelsea’s last away defeat saw them ship four goals away to Bournemouth, but the Blues are likely to be better equipped defensively to hold off Man City – to an extent.

With Liverpool potentially regaining top spot before this game kicks off, Man City may be more cautious not to slip up and give their title rivals the chance to open their lead up further when their game in hand comes into play.

Key Stat: The past four games between Man City and Chelsea have had fewer than 2.5 goals.

Tip: Under 2.5 goals @ 5/4 with BetBull – bet here

Odds correct at time of publishing (08/02/2019, 15:15)

18+ only. Ts&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org

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