City to shrug off wobbles with win over Chelsea
Manchester City will be determined to return to winning ways when they take on an injury-ravaged Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night. Pep Guardiola's charges sit eight points below leaders Arsenal in the Premier League, but can cut the gap to five with a timely triumph. Read our preview here:
Poison Azp
Graham Potter will be without six first team regulars for the visit of the current champions amidst a backdrop of growing supporter discontent. Three of those would start in defence all things being equal, which puts more pressure on their replacements to perform. César Azpilicueta has not been up to his usual exceptional standards this term, and will need some assistance from the likes of Mateo Kovačić (back late from the World Cup) down his flank. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang continues to struggle up top with just one goal in eight appearances, and Christian Pulisic has a similarly paltry tally.
Greal deal
Azpilicueta will come up against Jack Grealish, with the latter turning in a pantomime villain performance against Leeds United with two assists and plenty of boos before slumping alongside his teammates in the insipid 1-1 draw with lowly Everton at home. Ilkay Gündogan will roam from the left half-space behind him, whilst Erling Haaland's inescapable presence will push the hosts' backline ever deeper and cut off passing lanes in the process, providing the room for the playmakers to work their magic.
Betting tip
Casumo have odds of 4.50 for Man City to take control in the second half, with the first period ending in a stalemate.
