Chelsea v Man City Tips

A parallel can be drawn between Monday night’s game and a fixture played back in March when Chelsea entertained then league leaders Manchester United. On that occasion the Londoners came into the clash 15 points off top spot and desperately needing the win. Much like now, they had endured a nightmare slump in form that had left their title hopes hanging by a thread.

Chelsea are now just as desperate to beat this season’s frontrunners Manchester City. This time the gap is 10 points, but the need for victory looks equally great. In Spring, Carlo Ancelotti was able to mastermind a 2-1 victory for the Blues; I think Andre Villas-Boas can also grab the three points at bets odds of 6/4 (PaddyPower).

Admittedly, a couple of weeks ago I don’t think this prediction would have made any sense. Manchester City remain unbeaten and have passed every domestic test thrown at them. However, they were somewhat fortuitous to escape Anfield with a point a fortnight ago.  Since then, Chelsea have had a dramatic return to form themselves.

The Blues were rampant as they took Newcastle’s unbeaten home record away by an ultimately convincing 3-0 scoreline. Then, a few days later, Valencia, the third best team in Spanish football were put to the sword at Stamford Bridge. Again the scoreline was 3-0 as Didier Drogba tormented the La Liga team all night. The Ivorian’s partnership with Daniel Sturridge is now flourishing and Man City may struggle to cope.

It’s worth noting that Mancini’s side haven’t kept a clean sheet in seven league matches, so indications of defensive weakness are there. Back Chelsea to record a sixth home win in seven encounters with City at a best price of 6/4 (PaddyPower).