Ruthless Manchester City look to increase their commanding lead at the top of the Premier League against Chelsea

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Manchester City have had a full week of rest and preparation since their FA Cup victory against Swindon Town, and now look to take advantage against Chelsea after their midweek Carabao Cup exploits.

The Citizens are in a purple patch of form that they seem to have every single year, losing just once in their last 15 games, and winning the remaining 14 games. Perhaps more frighteningly, the only loss came in a Champions League Group Stage game in which City were already through as group winners.

During this run as well, Pep Guardiola’s side have scored a staggering 44 goals – a conversion rate of a little under three goals per game.

Consequently, City have taken the Premier League by the scruff of the neck, and appear to have the other 19 participants down for the count. One of the casualties of such form has been the reigning European Champions, Chelsea, who have seen what initially appeared to be a genuine challenge for the title slowly dissipate into a distant hope. 

Thomas Tuchel’s side have not lost since early December in the Premier League, however, due to City having a completely flawless run, alongside with Chelsea dropping eight points by drawing four games has seen them fall well behind in the title race.

Additionally, draws against Everton, Wolves, and Brighton will have really hurt Tuchel, as these are the games Chelsea must be winning if they are to keep up with sides performing so impeccably like their opponents on Saturday, City.

The previous meeting at Stamford Bridge back in late September felt like the first leg of a possible title shootout. Guardiola’s men came out on top that day with a 1-0 win thanks to a goal from Gabriel Jesus, and Liverpool have since thrown their hat in the ring and had it unceremoniously tossed out again by the imperious Citizens. 

Both teams will be without five players, with the hosts missing Riyad Mahrez who is away with Algeria at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON). Phil Foden and Oleksandr Zinchenko are missing with COVID-19, meanwhile, John Stones is a doubt with fitness struggles, the 27-year-old has not featured since City’s 4-0 away win against Newcastle United before Christmas.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are still without their star keeper Edouard Mendy, who is currently with the Senegalese setup at AFCON. Kepa Arrizabalaga is once again in line to continue his stint in his place, with the previously mocked 27-year-old receiving praise from Chelsea fans for his recent performances.

Chelsea will also be without Andreas Christensen who has COVID; Trevoh Chalobah, Ben Chilwell and Reece James are unavailable through injury, meaning the Blues’ defensive crisis continues. This could see the continued alteration of the formation, with Tuchel potentially switching to a back four to accommodate his lack of defensive personnel.

In addition to this, we may see the inclusion of Malang Sarr. The 22-year-old signed from OGC Nice saw little action earlier in the campaign but has proved a valuable asset amid this defensive crisis, proving himself to be a versatile and viable option in starting the last three games for the West London side.

Despite having a handful of players missing, it is known what to expect from City. Guardiola’s side will have a team full to the brim with class and talent, and look to exploit weaknesses in the Chelsea back line in particular.

A win for City will take them 13 points clear of Chelsea, a gap that would surely be insurmountable for Tuchel’s men.

If Chelsea were able to take all three points back to the capital, they would bring themselves to within seven points of the leaders and would not only give their title hopes a lifeline – but perhaps most importantly, the Blues would also gain the utmost confidence from beating a strong City side despite themselves having key players missing.

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