City to ensure Chelsea's poor run continues
Chelsea host Manchester City in one of the biggest Premier League fixtures of 2021 thus far on Sunday afternoon. Frank Lampard's men have only garnered a single win from their last six outings, and whilst things certainly haven't gone all Pep Guardiola's way either this season, the visitors are starting to look in better shape than their similarly illustrious opponents. COVID-19 had cast doubt on this fixture taking place at all, and its reinstatement could barely come at a worse time for the London outfit. Read our preview here:
Mount a recovery
Whilst it seems churlish to criticise Chelsea in the goals department (having scored 10 more than City with two more matches played in the league), they have been plagued by some lacklustre displays when it's come to supporting the main striker on either flank. Lampard persisted with Timo Werner in a distinctly uncomfortable looking left-sided forward role, whilst on the other flank, neither Christian Pulisic nor Hakim Ziyech have been especially impressive. This has seen a reversion to playing Callum Hudson-Odoi on the left and the English winger ought to retain his place. Further back, the third midfield spot is also up for grabs - N'Golo Kanté is the obvious candidate for shuttling between defensive and attacking thirds in the middle of the trio, Mason Mount has continued his rise to stardom to his left, whilst the likes of Mateo Kovačić and Kai Havertz have toiled in the opposite half-space. Mount's dead balls could be key if the encounter is a tightly contested one, and he'll be able to utilise the potency of Kurt Zouma and the aerial prowess of his central defensive partner Thiago Silva to finish off the chances he creates.
Agüer-oh?
Despite an improvement in recent games, one of the most surprising aspects of City's season to date has been their relative paucity in front of goal, in spite of the wealth of potent talents at the attacking end of the field. Gabriel Jesus has never fully been able to take on the mantle of out-and-out scorer in a sky blue shirt, and whilst Spanish international Ferran Torres has been used in that role during Sergio Agüero's lengthy periods out of the starting lineup, he has thus far reserved his best outings in the Champions League. All of this has led to no Citizen having scored more than four times in the league to date, and there's a growing feeling that the Argentinian striker cannot be relied upon as much as was the case in the past to remain fit and firing. Nevertheless, they have shared goals around the side, and in right-back Reece James' absence, Raheem Sterling should have an easier time of pinning replacement César Azpilicueta well away from even contemplating making dangerous attacks down that side.
Pep talk
It's clear that, whilst the mid-season transfer window is rarely a time for being able to make game-changing signings of the calibre City need, Guardiola could well pursue an alternative to Agüero. There's a feeling both teams are underperforming, but for different reasons. With Chelsea, it's more down to some questionable tactical decisions by Lampard; with City, it's been the lack of a consistent focal point in attack to both lead the line and create space for the runners from midfield. This is unlikely to be a game with abundant chances on show, and based on recent evidence, that will favour the away side, especially if they can grab an early strike. That will open the tie up and make it that much easier for the likes of Kevin De Bruyne to work his magic. 888sport are offering odds of 4.80 for City to do to Chelsea what Arsenal inexplicably managed to, and score more than 2.5 goals.
