Man City vs Chelsea preview: Blues look to stop the Treble winners’ scintillating streak in a Premier League blockbuster
ALL eyes will be on the Etihad this evening as Treble winners Manchester City host Chelsea in a Super Saturday special – and it could go either way.
Pep Guardiola’s men find themselves on a blistering winning run having won ELEVEN consecutive matches in all competitions.
And Bernardo Silva’s flick followed by Phil Foden’s late strike kept City’s streak alive as they ran out 3-1 winners in a gruelling Champions League League last 16 first leg clash against Copenhagen.
Elsewhere, life is starting to look a lot better for Mauricio Pochettino as his Chelsea side goes into this game off back-to-back 3-1 triumphs against Aston Villa and Crystal Palace.
Furthermore, the Blues should feel well-rested after not having to participate in any European action this week.
But Chelsea will need to dig deep if they are to take three Premier League points from City – something which they have failed to achieve in their last five attempts.
When is Man City vs Chelsea?
- Manchester City and Chelsea’s mouthwatering match will take place TODAY – Saturday, February 17.
- It is scheduled to get underway at 5:30pm in the UK.
- The Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City is the scheduled arena for this huge encounter and it can host approximately 53,400 fans.
- Cole Palmer’s stoppage-time penalty earned Chelsea a draw in a 4-4 thriller when the sides last met in November 2023.
What TV channel is it on can it be live streamed?
- Manchester City vs Chelsea will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League in the UK.
- Coverage is expected to commence from 5pm GMT on both channels – 30 minutes before kick-off.
- Fans can stream the action online through NOW TV.
- Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage of the entire match.
What is their form like?
Man City have not lost a game since their 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa on December 6.
Guardiola’s side are currently second in the Premier League table, just two points adrift of leaders Liverpool.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have endured a mixed run of form over the last month.
They suffered a 4-1 defeat to league leaders Liverpool at the end of January before losing 4-2 at home to Wolves.
However, they have won both of their last two games, with a scoreline of 3-1, to Aston Villa and Crystal Palace respectively.
What is the team news?
Manchester City’s win against Copenhagen was overshadowed by a double injury blow to Jack Grealish (groin) and Bernardo Silva (ankle).
Josko Gvardiol’s knock is reportedly set to keep him out until mid-March, while Mateo Kovacic’s muscular injury will be assessed before Saturday’s blockbuster.
Elsewhere, Mauricio Pochettino will be hoping to get some key names back for the trip to the Etihad.
But as it stands; Benoit Badiashile (muscle), Reece James (hamstring), Lesley Ugochukwu (muscle), Marc Cucurella (ankle), Robert Sanchez (knee), Rome Lavia (thigh), Thiago Silva (groin), and Wesley Fofana (ACL) are all huge doubts for the match.
Who will be the star players?
Phil Foden has been in incredible form for Man City recently.
He scored a crucial third goal and got an assist in City’s Champions League last-16 first leg against Copenhagen on Tuesday.
And he netted a Premier League hat-trick against Brentford last week.
Foden has received praise in recent weeks for stepping up to help Man City in the absence of Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne, so he is expected to be a key player against Chelsea.
Meanwhile, Cole Palmer has established himself as a key first team player for the Blues.
In 28 appearances this season he has scored 12 goals and provided nine assists.
The midfielder will be eager to impress against his former club at the Etihad on Saturday.
What has been said?
Guardiola gave a squad update after City’s win over Copenhagen this week.
He said: “Bernardo [Silva] has a big knock. Looks like a muscular [injury] for Jack Grealish. It is a pity. He helped us to play at the right tempo. He felt it when he rolled on the grass. They know.”
Speaking to TNT Sports, he added: “Bernardo has a big knock in his ankle. Bernardo has a big knock in his ankle. In the next few days we have Chelsea at home. We must recover as quickly as possible.
“[Jack] will have a test tomorrow. He will be [ruled] out, yeah. It’s a pity because in the last few days his mood in training sessions has been much, much better and he has played really good.
“He helps us play at the right tempo. Jack helps us a lot. We hope he can recover quickly. He knew something was wrong. The players know. They can feel it immediately.”
Meanwhile, speaking after Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on Monday, Mauricio Pochettino said: “We are trying to be more consistent. We need to try and be consistent, create and perform, always, in the way that we perform against Aston Villa. It’s not easy but we need to try.
“But we get three points to prepare for next week against Manchester City.”
What are the odds?
- Man City to win 1/3
- Draw 9/2
- Chelsea to win 7/1
*Odds courtesy of Paddy Power are correct at time of publication