Chelsea v Manchester City betting

Chelsea: League Position: 5th, League Form: LWLWW

They up and down form of Chelsea has caused criticism from pundits this season, which in turn has found Manager Andre Villas-Boas in spiky form in his press conferences. And his team have responded as of late. Tuesday’s Champions League victory over saw Didier Drogba awaken from his recent slump to evoke memories of the Drogba that carried Chelsea’s attack to Premier League titles. Arguably the best striker of his kind, he bullied Valencia and scored twice.

Chelsea v Manchester City odds

With Drogba maybe on the way back to form, he could find himself with the best service of his time at Chelsea. Spaniard Juan Mata has assisted seven goals in his last nine Premiership appearances, only one man has made more, the other wily Spaniard who will appear this weekend, David Silva.

The problem is their defence. The quality opposition they have played have shown them up at the back. Manchester United scored three, Arsenal embarrassed them with five and Liverpool have scored two past them twice this year in league and cup. They have changed their shape and style enough that gaps that were never there have suddenly appeared. And good teams exploit them.

Manchester City: League Position: 1st, League Form: WWWDW

So, Manchester City could not force their way through their group of death in their first attempt at Champions League football. No time to mope, and they are faced with real opposition to get their teeth into Monday night. What better way to bounce back and prove themselves the force to be reckoned with this season than by beating a team who were considered title rivals in August.

The good news for Roberto Mancini’s men is that they won well midweek against a good, if not full strength Bayern Munich side, and have had five days to prepare for this game. They should be raring to go. Micah Richards is expected to miss the game, but Zabaleta is not a bad option to replace him.

Looking for a weakness in City’s performance this year is no easy task. The best you’ve got? Whereas they have won all their games at home, they’ve won five and drawn two on their travels. They’ve scored 24 at home and 24 away, but have conceded five more on their travels (nine) than they have at the Etihad Stadium (four). Not exactly negatives.

Match Prediction: Manchester City Win – 3.00 Victor Chandler, Bet 365

Rightly or wrongly, it could be a blessing in disguise that the inconsistent, young Brazilian centre back David Luiz is suspended from this game. With him and Terry at the back Chelsea have looked less secure than at any time since money and success came to their door. Whether his fellow Brazilian Alex gets the chance to replace him or Ivanovic moves central and Bosingwa returns at right back, it’s still clear that Chelsea are not the defensive force they once were. Who would you not want to play when your back line is underperforming? Top scorers and league leaders Manchester City.

With this in mind, Sergio Aguero, Manchester City’s top scorer with 11 league goals, is a great price at 8.00 to be first goalscorer. Chelsea certainly lack pace at the back, and Aguero has pace, guile and flair in abundance, let alone fantastic finishing. It’s also why City could find themselves in the goals at Stamford Bridge, in much the same way Arsenal did. Chelsea now like to play the ball out of defence, run a high line and be a more attacking side. This has been exposed by all of their rivals so far this year. Considering that City have only been behind in games this season for a combined total of 15 minutes, it’s reasonable to suggest they may take the lead here, forcing Chelsea to take more risks, leaving the home side open to City’s considerable attacking force on the break.

However, if Chelsea are to perform here then the man that carried them into the Champions League knockout stage midweek, Didier Drogba, will be the one to force them through victorious here. A fired up Drogba could be the biggest test of Manchester City’s defence of the domestic season.

Highlighted Bets:-

Over/Under: Over 2.5 Goals – 1.83 Coral

First Goalscorer: Sergio Aguero – 8.00 Stan James

Correct Score: 3-1 Man City Win – 26.00 Ladbrokes,

First to Score for their team: Didier Drogba – 5.00 Bet 365

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