Chelsea vs. Manchester City Preview

November 25, 2012
By: Deke Hardman

Stamford Bridge is the setting, as Manchester City travel to Chelsea in Rafael Benitez’s first match since taking temporary charge of the Blues.

The former Liverpool manager, whose appointment hasn’t been welcome by a large number of the Chelsea faithful, will be keen to end a run of five winless games which has them fall to FOURTH place in the Premier League, and left them with a mountain to climb if they are to have any chance of reclaiming the Champions League.

Captain John Terry remains out with a knee injury, while Frank Lampard is also a doubt though Fernando Torres is likely to be recalled to the starting line-up.

Torres, who was brought to England by Benitez back in 2007, is an 8.5 (15/2) chance with various bookmakers to open the scoring, as he did when the teams last met in the Community Sheild back in August.

Chelsea went on to lose that game 3-2, though they have won six of the last seven meetings at Stamford Bridge; the fixture hasn’t ended all square since a goalless encounter seven and a half years ago.

The hosts are favourites for the victory, with Stan James offering the best price of 2.63 (13/8), while Manchester City are available at 2.90 (19/10) with the same firm. The draw is around the 3.5 (5/2) mark with pretty much everybody.
The visitors could welcome back captain Vincent Kompany following his knee injury, whilst Gael Clichy and Mario Balotelli may also be available for selection.

Sergio Aguero has scored in his last four appearances in all competitions, and the Argentinian is favourite to open the scoring with 7.0 (6/1) on offer from almost all bookmakers. His fellow countryman Carlos Tevez, who was sublime in the 5-0 demolition of Aston Villa last weekend is a 7.5 (13/2) shot.

Much focus has been on the form of England goalkeeper Joe Hart this campaign, though he has kept three clean sheets in the past four games as his side has risen back to the top of the table. Bet 365 offer 4.33 (10/3) for Hart not to be beaten on Sunday afternoon.

We Highly Recommend These Places
Share your Opinion!