The English Premier League will be headlined by the top of the table clash between Chelsea and Manchester City on Saturday. Just three points separate the two teams, and Chelsea hope to close the gap in gameweek 7.
Both clubs are playing exciting, attacking soccer and both have the Premier League title in their sights. The clash between the two sides will be the first real test for either team this term. Chelsea was last season’s Premier League winners, while Manchester City has looked the strongest team to this point.
Chelsea
The reigning champions have rebounded nicely from an opening day loss to Burnley. Since that setback, the team hasn’t lost a match, and can even boast defeating London rivals Tottenham. Chelsea has just got back attacking midfielder Eden Hazard from injury, and his ability to run at Manchester City’s defenders will give them difficulty. Manchester City’s defense is its weak spot and teams with pace can expose its clumsy central defenders. Chelsea has plenty of speed in wide areas and the team will look to pin back the Manchester City full-backs.
Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata is in great form and has tallied six goals in six games. He isn’t the Blues’ only attacking weapon as the team’s defenders regularly get into the final third.
Despite Chelsea’s great form, the team is ranked 138th in ZCode System’s power rankings.
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola’s side has been strong throughout the Premier League season, dropping just two points thanks to a plucky Everton away draw. Manchester City are the top English side in ZCode System’s power rankings thanks to their great form in England and Europe.
The team is led by six goal man Sergio Aguero, who has rediscovered his best form in the early stages of this season. Raheem Sterling has also been in fine form and the Englishman has tallied five goals of his on in the Premier League.
Manchester City is clicking on all cylinders in the league, and the team have tallied 18 goals in its last four matches. The team’s free scoring is practically unheard of and Manchester City has scored four or more goals in three consecutive league games.
Line Reversal
Manchester City is favorite according to ZCode System’s line reversal tool. The top of the Premier League team is -156 to win. That figure dropped from -152 to -157 before settling at the current number.
Based on the way Manchester City has played, there is no question the team could win on Saturday. Manchester City will have the advantage of being slightly more rested for the fixture as the team played on Tuesday in the Champions League. Meanwhile Chelsea had to play in Spain on Wednesday evening before flying home to London after the game.
Although Manchester City will be more rested, Chelsea do have the benefit of playing at home. The team’s home support could be the difference in winning all three points and being out of the Premier League title race.
Prediction
ZCode System’s scores predictor has Manchester City winning the big match 3-1. Although I believe Manchester City has the firepower to win the fixture, 3-1 is a bit too much. This should be a tight affair with a great attacking side (Manchester City) playing a team that can grind out wins(Chelsea). Expect this to be close with one goal deciding it.
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