The task of defending their Premier League title got even tougher for Manchester City after dropping points at the weekend — and that just adds to the tension ahead of Thursday’s showdown with Chelsea.
City need to kickstart a winning run to put pressure on leaders Arsenal, but Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Everton was a setback despite yet another goal for Erling Haaland.
The pressure is mounting for Chelsea too, with the Blues slipping further from the top four after Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest. Reinforcements could be on the way during the January transfer window, but Graham Potter needs to find some answers until then.
Check out our free Chelsea vs Manchester City picks and predictions for the lowdown on this Thursday, January 5 clash.
Chelsea vs Manchester City best odds
Chelsea vs Manchester City picks and predictions
Make no mistake, Erling Haaland is tearing up the Premier League single-season scoring record on the way to set a staggering new mark this year. His goal against Everton took his tally to 21 in the league this season, and he’s reaping the benefits of a month off while many of his teammates (and opponents) were in Qatar. At this rate, he’ll breeze past Alan Shearer’s 34-goal record from the 1994-95 season.
Thursday offers another decent matchup for Haaland, with an erratic Chelsea side taking four points from a possible nine since the restart. The Blues have looked disjointed and vulnerable defensively — if Aston Villa and Forest found cracks in the Chelsea backline, you can imagine what Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne will conjure up. The Norwegian scored in all four of his December appearances and there’s no sign of him slowing down.
It’s not really City’s style to go on the road and play for a draw, but that notion feels even less likely given the need to take all three points to stay within reach of Arsenal. Pep Guardiola has the full array of attacking stars at his disposal for this showdown, and regardless of which combination of Phil Foden, Julian Alvarez, Riyad Mahrez, Jack Grealish, and Bernardo Silva we see, Haaland will get top-quality service.
With Reece James sidelined, Forest enjoyed success down the left wing, and Haaland’s pace and movement could be most effective if he gets one-on-one matchups against Chelsea right-back Cesar Azpilicueta.
Even if this falls short of being a high-scoring thriller (and there’s every chance that it’ll be a tight battle despite the star-studded line-ups), I like Haaland to continue his hot streak and get on the scoresheet.
My best bet: Erling Haaland to score anytime (-125 at bet365)
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Chelsea vs Manchester City side analysis
The post-World Cup sample size is still too small to really judge a team’s current form, but oddsmakers have wasted no time in installing City as favorites despite traveling to Stamford Bridge and facing a Chelsea team in desperate need of a morale-boosting result.
The Blues’ injury list is a factor in those odds, with a string of key men still working their way back to full fitness. But the skepticism about Chelsea’s chances also comes from the disjointed performances that Potter’s men have served up lately.
While Pep Guardiola is mainly just plugging in playmakers around the Haaland-De Bruyne duo, Chelsea’s attacking options seem more muddled. Raheem Sterling, Kai Havertz, and Christian Pulisic all started on Sunday, but Hakim Ziyech and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang offer something different. Aubameyang is the closest thing the hosts have to a traditional striker who can hold the ball up.
City had the upper hand when the two teams met in the Carabao Cup back in November, easing to a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Mahrez and Alvarez. A similar outcome on Thursday would be no surprise.
Chelsea vs Manchester City Over/Under analysis
Both teams appear to still be finding their feet (and scoring boots) after the World Cup break. City weren’t at their ruthless best against Everton, hitting the target with just three of 16 shots, and paid the price after Demarai Gray’s stunning equalizer.
Chelsea’s trip to the City Ground was a similar story as Forest rallied following Sterling’s opener and could have snatched all three points. Mateo Kovacic’s likely return to the starting line-up would be a boost, bringing more of a creative spark to link midfield and attack.
With both managers sure to be wary of the scrutiny that would stem from a loss here, I’m expecting a cagey start with opportunities coming at a premium, and tricky weather conditions could also be a factor. Given the plus odds for Under 2.5 goals, there’s some real value there.
Chelsea vs Manchester City game info
| Location: | Stamford Bridge, London, England |
| Date: | Thursday, January 5, 2023 |
| Time: | 3:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Peacock Premium |
Chelsea vs Manchester City key injuries
Chelsea: Ruben Loftus-Cheek CM (Questionable), Edouard Mendy GK (Doubtful), Ben Chilwell LB (Out), Wesley Fofana CB (Out), Reece James RB (Out), N’Golo Kante CM (Out), Armando Broja ST (Out).
Manchester City: Aymeric Laporte CB (Doubtful), Ruben Dias CB (Out).
Chelsea vs Manchester City recent form
| Teams | Last five matches |
|---|---|
 Chelsea |
L-L-L-W-D |
 Man City |
W-W-L-W-D |
Chelsea vs Manchester City weather
Expect a slick pitch with scattered showers in London on Thursday and temperatures in the low 50s.
