- Chris Sutton predicts Chelsea vs Man City
- Major selection call could impact the outcome
- Pundit expects a closely fought encounter
Chris Sutton has shared his thoughts ahead of Manchester City’s crucial Premier League clash against Chelsea this weekend.
Man City face Chelsea on Sunday in what could be one of the most important league fixtures for the Sky Blues this season.
Pep Guardiola’s side are trying to catch up with title rivals Arsenal. On the other hand, new coach Liam Rosenior is trying to win the Blues a Champions League spot for the upcoming season.
City now remain the only club in the top half of the Premier League with a game in hand, and Guardiola would not want to miss this opportunity to close the points gap between themselves and the Gunners.
Man City will beat Chelsea
Former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton has backed Manchester City in their clash against Chelsea, but there will not be much to separate the teams.
Making his predictions on BBC Sport, Sutton predicted a score 2-1 City triumph, while remaining cautious on the implications.
“I really want the Premier League title race to go the distance this season, so I am still going to back City to win this,” the pundit exclaimed.
“But if I end up losing the prediction title race, it will be because of this game. I would not be surprised if City drop points here.”
Man City’s form is a problem
Despite winning their games against Arsenal and Liverpool, Sutton was cautious when it came to the Premier League.
Man City were not having the best of times before these wins. The club drew two of their last two league games against West Ham and Nottingham Forest respectively.
“This is a huge game for City too,” he continued. Everyone seems to be getting carried away with City because of their past two results – against Arsenal at Wembley and Liverpool in the FA Cup – but their form before those games was much less impressive.”
Sutton also did not shy away when it came to criticising Chelsea manager Rosenior for his decision not to play Enzo Fernandez against Man City.
The Argentine midfielder clinched a 1-1 draw against the Citizens in January after scoring an equaliser in injury time.
Can Man City transfer their cup form into Premier League wins?
Sunday’s game will take place at Stamford Bridge, and City’s away record isn’t something to be proud of. Of the 15 away games played in the Premier League this season, the club have won only seven.
Guardiola’s side have lost four and drawn four on away days. However, Chelsea are not having their best season either. The Blues have only won six of their 15 home games this season.
Chelsea have drawn five and lost four at Stamford Bridge this campaign. Despite a recent drop in the Premier League, Man City are in a better position than the Blues when it comes to this fixture.
Rosenior’s side are all over the place with one win, three losses and one draw in their last five games. City, on the other hand have only failed to convert their last two Premier League games.
With a resurgence in cup fixtures, City stand a chance of besting the Blues on Sunday. The Londoners are having a worse time, and Guardiola’s side should be able to take advantage of the fact.
