Chelsea and Manchester City with both be wanting to get back to winning ways after dropping points last time out with the champions trying to chase down Arsenal
Manchester City will be aiming to close the gap on Arsenal when they pay a visit to Chelsea on Thursday night.
The champions find themselves playing catch up such has been the Gunners’ sensational start to the campaign – they allowed them to get further away by dropping points with Everton on New Year’s Eve. Pep Guardiola has already seen his team beat the Blues this term, winning 2-0 in the Carabao Cup.
Chelsea are very much still finding their feet under Graham Potter, who took charge back in September. His side, before and after the World Cup, have only won one of their last five. Last time out they dropped points against Nottingham Forest, who were able to cancel out Raheem Sterling’s opener.
City won this fixture last term, owing to a deflected Gabriel Jesus strike. They will come into this clash as favourites, even if they are the visitors. Chelsea have only won one home game since mid-October, that was their 2-0 success over Bournemouth recently.
The relentless Erling Haaland, who has already scored more goals himself than Chelsea have as a club, could be paired with World Cup winner Julian Alvarez. The young Argentine has largely played back-up to Haaland but the duo could work in tandem.
Guardiola has said: “We have two strikers to score goals but to create these chances you have to make the process. And in the process, sometimes you need other types of players to create these chances. But of course they can play together, especially against five at the back – that can happen.”
Chelsea have already come unstuck against Man City this season
Chelsea’s summer signing Kalidou Koulibaly admits that their top four ambitions do seem far away, but is determined they can turn things around.
He said: “It’s going to be a big challenge [to finish in the top four] but we like a challenge and we always believe in ourselves. We have to embrace it, we have to believe in ourselves and work hard to improve. We will get ready to face Man City, which will be a tough game but we will do everything to win this match and move forward.”
When is the game?
City travel to Chelsea on January 5 with kick-off at 8pm.
How can I watch it?
Sky viewers can opt to watch the clash on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra HDR. Coverage will get underway at 6.30pm.
Match odds
Man City 6/10
Chelsea 9/2
Draw 16/5
*Odds provided by Betfair