Chelsea vs Man City: Line-ups
Chelsea
Man City
Clash of the Heavyweights
#1
Both teams have accrued 26 points heading into their first match of the New Year, although the visitors do have two games in hand and have enjoyed a far better spell of form than their weekend opponents.
#2
As the only top-half side to have lost three of their last five league matches, the sixth-placed Blues now find themselves seven points behind reigning champions Liverpool and three behind fourth-placed Everton.
#3
While Chelsea have had no problems finding the back of the net this season, goals have not exactly been Man City’s forte. With Sergio Aguero and Jesus both struggling with various ailments, Pep Guardiola’s men have struck just 21 times in the league this term – the fewest out of any side in the top half.
#4
Guardiola will be desperate to have Aguero fit and ready to spearhead the Citizens’ attack. The prolific Argentine has enjoyed unprecedented success in front of goal against Chelsea with 15 strikes to his name.
#5
Lampard will be urging his side to kick off the New Year on the right foot after a dismal end to 2020, and coming up against an inexperienced shot-stopper in Steffen could have the likes of Havertz and Werner fancying their chances, but we cannot look past City in their current form and expect a narrow win for the visitors in their first match of 2021.
