Manchester City–Chelsea

Manchester City host Chelsea this Sunday, and we get a showdown between two teams that were originally supposed to be title rivals. That wasn't the case this season either. Because Chelsea are out of it. They are so out of it that the manager has taken his coat and strolled out the door, and the assistant has been given the tactic book in his lap ahead of the big game against Pep's machine. Is this what baptism of fire is all about? The hosts are in fine form, and could smile as much as the sun as Rodri ran around the pitch again. It still wasn't enough to beat Sunderland, but Pep was happy, he said. Happy not to have lost on a difficult pitch, and happy to be within striking distance of Arsenal and first place. We have a treat in store this Sunday evening.

Manchester City – Two points lost, but the leader is running again

It was a joy to see Rodri with football boots on his feet again. Joyful for everyone who likes football, everyone who holds the light blues high, but frightening for those who support other teams in European football. The Spaniard has struggled since putting the Golden Ball on the mantelpiece, and there has been significantly more time on the treatment bench than on the biggest football stages. With the conductor back in the ring, Manchester City can really get their sails going.

Apart from Rodri, things are going well in Manchester these days. Before the draw against Sunderland, the light blues had eight straight wins in all competitions. Then it doesn't matter that Haaland has taken an ever-so-small goal-scoring break. He's not scoring goals at the moment, but then you have several other strings to play on. City has an abundance of wingers and attacking midfielders, and with the quality they possess, the road to goals is never long. It's difficult to prepare for what's coming, because Pep is a trickster, and suddenly the entire offensive line behind the Norwegian has been replaced. For most others, this goes beyond quality, but not for City. The breadth is enormous.

As for the Premier League title, you just have to keep your cool. Arsenal are four points ahead, and then Chelsea must be beaten, it's as simple as that. Then it's good to know that you have a dominant H2H over the Londoners. The last four have been won by City, and there has been no shortage of goals scored either. You go into this match with better momentum, a wider squad, stability, and a clear advantage over your opponent. Much speaks for more jubilation in the blue part of the city that has collected so many league titles over the years.

Chelsea – Complete chaos

Things are heating up for the Royal Blues now. Enzo Maresca is done with the club after falling out with key figures in the big club. Things got so heated that the manager resigned, and let the boardroom figure out what to do next. Rumor has it that Maresca made tough demands of the owners, while the owners wanted someone who was easier to control. Working conditions gradually became more difficult, and as if that wasn't enough, there were constant reports that Maresca was the man to replace Pep at Manchester City. What could be more fitting than resigning right before this match? The headlines almost write themselves here.

Chelsea are also not in form. It has become so bad that in the last seven league games they have only had one three-pointer. A solitary win out of a possible seven. These are horrible numbers for a team that was supposed to challenge the big ones at the top. Fourth place has been lost to Liverpool at the moment, and just behind them are almost all the Premier League teams, like pearls on a string. A loss to City on Sunday could potentially send Chelsea down towards the middle of the table.

Important Caicedo is yellow-carded, and Cucurella needs a health check before kick-off. Cole Palmer will face his old club, and thus has something to show. The only question is whether this is the game, and the time, to show City what they lost by letting him go. There are few form players to be found these days, and even if Pedro, Fernandez, Neto and the aforementioned Palmer are good footballers, it helps little when you are in the middle of the storm. It will surprise many if this Chelsea team appears effective and harmonious this weekend.

Conclusion – City are several notches too strong

City must win, and there are many indications that they will do just that. We have talked about the breadth of the squad, and here the home team has a gigantic advantage. Those who get the nod are simply better than the visitors, and from the bench you can deliver the necessary coup de grace if necessary.

Beyond this, there is chaos at Chelsea. Rumours are flying, there is no manager and the players probably don't know what to expect in the coming months. It's a great way to create disillusioned footballers, and as we know, it doesn't usually produce results.

Then we have this thing about form. City are in great form, the visitors haven't seen form since last autumn. The home team has many players in good rhythm now, and no matter which of Rodri, Silva, Foden, Doku, Cherki or Reijnders starts, they link up well with the Vikings at the top. They are simply cowardly teams.

City wins, they don't let the tie against Arsenal slip, and they also send Chelsea further into the mud. The guests have to try something, but I'm afraid it will only lead to more light blue nets. A home win, and a couple of goals, and I wonder if the man from Jæren won't get on the scoresheet again.

England at 18:30: Manchester City – Chelsea: Home win + Over 1.5 goals total in the match (1.86)

Alternative game

England at 18:30: Manchester City – Chelsea: Home win at half-time (2.15)