Chelsea host Manchester City at home as they look to bounce back to winning ways in the Premier League tonight yet face an even greater task in Champions, Man City.
Manchester City find themselves 8 points behind Arsenal with a game in hand after this tie and Pep’s men look to close the gap at the top of the table.
Chelsea were held to a one all draw with Nottingham forest with City facing the same result when they took on Everton earlier this week.
The Blues lie in tenth place with two games in hand as two constant victories could hand them a place in the top six of the League.
Chelsea have one win, three loses and a draw in their last six premier league games with City however winning four, drawing one and losing one.
WHERE AND WHEN?
Where: Stamford Bridge
When: 8:00 GMT
Date: 5th January, 2023
TEAM NEWS
Chelsea will have to continue without the services of key midfielder Ngolo Kante as Reece James is also ruled out with a knee problem.
Broja and Fofana will most likely miss out on this highly anticipated fixture as well as Edouard Mendy who is ruled out with a shoulder injury.
However, Ruben Loftus Cheek and Ben Chillwell find themselves likely to make the list for the tie.
Pep will be without only Ruben Dias and Laporte against Chelsea with World champion Julian Alvarez fighting a starting spot after coming off the bench against Everton.
ANALYSIS
Chelsea clearly despite scoring thrice since the Premier League’s return have struggled to convert their chances in the League and will need to be at the upmost best when they take on the Champions at home tonight.
The blues have also conceded too many chances since the restart and with Erling Haaland on top form, Potter’s men will have to close in on the suppliers of Haaland in this tie.
City however surprisingly dropped points against Everton with Gray finding the back of Ederson’s net.
Pep’s men look to stamp their authority in this tie as they gaze the third consecutive PL title in a row.
Kevin de bryne and Haaland remain the main threat of this City side with Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva also key men to keep an eye on in this fixture.
Joao Cancelo and Kyle walker will most likely provide the width for city and invert in midfield to help Gundowan and Rodrigo in the build up
PREDICTED LINEUPS
Chelsea prediction XI:
Kepa; Azpilicueta, Silva, Koulibaly, Cucurella; Kovacic, Zakaria; Sterling, Mount, Pulisic; Aubameyang
Manchester City predicted XI:
Ederson; Walker, Stones, Akanji, Cancelo; Gundogan, Rodri, De Bruyne; Silva, Haaland, Foden
MATCH PREDICTION
Chelsea 1-3 Manchester City.