A feast for the neutral - Chelsea host City

A buoyant Chelsea side from stretching the gap from themselves and fifth place to five points at the weekend, host arguably the best team in the Premier League. Manchester City have been the outstanding team in the division this season by expected goals they would be almost five points clear of Liverpool at the summit, with Chelsea moving up to third. They are the highest scoring outfit and have let themselves down defensively at times in this campaign, something that Frank Lampard’s growing elite attacking contingent will be looking to pounce on. The reverse fixture was an enthralling match, after trading blows in a great first half, City held on to win 2-1.

Background

There has been over 2.5 goals in four of Chelsea’s last five Premier League outings, with Olivier Giroud netting three in his last four in that competition. The Londoners have scored in each half of three of their last four matches, they will raise their game to the challenge of City. With transfer strengthening already underway, Lampard will push his players to replicate this game to be a realistic title decider in the next campaign.

Chelsea have had an extra day to recover for this fixture, though it must be said do not possess as deep of a squad as the champions. They came from behind to beat relegation threatened Aston Villa 2-1 at Villa Park on Sunday, a superb substitute appearance from Christian Pulisic who added a goal and an assist was the difference. I would expect the American to get a start in this one.

Pep Guardiola’s men have achieved an aggregate scoreline of 8-0 in their two games since the resumption of play, battering Burnley 5-0 most recently on Monday evening. Demonstrating the strength of their roster, Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez took their first team opportunities netting a brace each with soon to be departed club legend David Silva helping himself to the fourth in the 51^st minute.

Key men

It really is all about Christian Pulisic, on his day reminiscent of the skill and dribbling ability of Eden Hazard. The 21-year-old took a period to adjust to English football and has kicked on as the season has progressed, contributing seven goals and six assists, should he lineup against Kyle Walker or Joao Cancelo at right back, it will be a key area of the pitch and a technical examination for the respective defenders.

One of his opposite numbers Riyad Mahrez could also play a big role, the Algerian bagged the winner in the reverse fixture and has had his best season since winning the league with Leicester City.

City have greater weapons, but Chelsea are sure to make a game of it, mouth-watering from a neutral perspective, hoping to see goals.

Chelsea – Manchester City Betting Tip

Over 2.5 goals + Manchester City (+1) Handicap with 888sport at odds of 4/5 or 1.78.

Bet Over 2.5 goals + Manchester City (+1) Handicap on 888sport