The biggest match of the weekend in the Premier League kicks off Saturday as Manchester City host Chelsea.
Both sides are battling for a top four spot (and the Champions League berth that comes with it), but neither are fully out of the league title race either.
Man City have regained their form in recent weeks, winning three of their last four league matches, but they are coming off a demoralizing UCL loss to PSG that could linger as the team returns to domestic action.
Meanwhile, Chelsea finally returned to winning ways in the league last weekend against Wolves after going winless in their previous five games and falling out of the top three.
Manchester City vs. Chelsea: Head-to-head and recent statistics
- All-time meetings: 179
- Manchester City wins: 67
- Draws: 41
- Chelsea wins: 71
Chelsea have a slight advantage in all time wins between these teams, with 71 from 179 matches.
However, City are undefeated over the last seven Premier League meetings.
Manchester City vs. Chelsea: Team news
Manchester City
- Injured: Rodri, Ake, Dias, Doku
- Suspended: None
Chelsea
- Injured: Badiashile, Kellyman, Fofan, Lavia, Fernandes, Colwill
- Suspended: None
Manchester City vs. Chelsea: What the managers are saying
Pep Guardiola, Manchester City
(via ManCity.com)
“[Maresca's changed Chelsea] a lot.
“I think we recognised the team from day one when we played in the pre-season in the United States.
“Many things, I start to see which we spoke about many times in the last years together. Really good.
“I’m very pleased, I was a lucky man to work with him in the last years.
“Everything happened with him and his family, if he’s fine, I am fine. I’m happy for him.”
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea
(via ChelseaFC.com)
"If you see the top six at this moment, we beat Bournemouth away and drew at home.
'We beat Newcastle at home and still have to play there. We drew against Arsenal and we lost to Liverpool and City. It’s a matter of balance.
'We are going to win games against big teams for sure, but I don’t think if we win [Saturday] that means we’re ready for the title. For sure we are going to try to win [Saturday], but it will be one more game."
Manchester City vs. Chelsea: Prediction
Two high-powered sides with big motivation to win. It feels like a draw is incoming.
Prediction: Manchester City 1-1 Chelsea