Preview: Man City v Chelsea (23/11/19)

Pep Guardiola’s side is currently fourth in there Premier League, one point behind their visitors, with both sides looking for their first win against a ‘big six’ club this season.

Man City defender Aymeric Laporte and striker Leroy Sane are still struggling with knee injuries, and goalkeeper Ederson is unlikely to return. Midfielder Bernardo Silva is serving a one-match ban because of his controversial tweet about his team-mate Benjamin Mendy.

Chelsea have three midfielders, Christian Pulisic, Ross Barkley, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, struggling with injuries. Defender Antonio Rudiger is still recovering after groin surgery.

The Blues have eight victories in their past 10 games, and Man City have seven. Guardiola’s side is more effective at scoring than their opponents – they have a league-leading 35 goals, compared to Chelsea’s 27.

Nevertheless, they went without a win in their most recent two matches: a 1-1 draw against Atalanta in Champions League, and a 3-1 loss before the international break. In contrast, Chelsea are unbeaten in November.

The hosts have won five out of six most recent meetings of these two teams, but this will be the first time Frank Lampard has faced the club where he spent a brief period at the end of his playing career.

Both sides are secure in the top four as fifth-placed Sheffield United are eight points below Man City. A home win tomorrow, coupled with Liverpool loss at Crystal Palace, will see the gap at the top reduced to six points.

If Chelsea win and the current top two, Liverpool and Leicester City, both lose, they will climb from third to second place, only five points off the top spot.

Etihad Stadium photo by Quay News via Flickr Creative Commons licence CC BY-NC-SA 2.0