Pep ‘Tuchel makes world football better’
Watch Pep Guardiola’s pre match press conference ahead of Manchester City’s Premier League clash with Chelsea. Among other things the Spanish manager discusses Thomas Tuchel’s qualities as a coach and his positive effect on world football.
Manchester City vs Chelsea: Line-ups
Manchester City
Chelsea
Tough For Chelsea to Get a Result
#1
The victory over Ben Garner’s outfit was Man City’s seventh in a row across all competitions as the Premier League table-toppers seek to extend their lead at the summit, and the returning Etihad faithful ought to be treated to quite the spectacle for their first home game of 2022.
#2
Guardiola’s relentless crop have come up trumps in each of their last seven games at home across all tournaments – including each of their last five in the Premier League – and even without a recognised striker for much of the campaign, City have still averaged at least three goals per Premier League game at the Etihad. In total, the reigning champions have strung together an 11-game winning streak in the Premier League, although they can take nothing for granted against title-challenging opponents buoyed by reaching a mid-season cup final.
#3
A shot at glory against either Liverpool or Arsenal awaits the Blues next month, but keeping their fleeting title hopes alive is currently the main aim for Thomas Tuchel’s side, who are at risk of falling 13 points behind City with defeat at the Etihad.
#4
The Blues could also finish the weekend in third should Liverpool get the better of Brentford a day later, but they have excelled away from home amid a batch of Stamford Bridge stalemates – winning six of their last eight top-flight games on rival turf and conceding a league-low six goals in such games.
#5
Gabriel Jesus was Man City’s saviour in a 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season, but not since the 2017-18 campaign have the champions done the double over Chelsea, who marched to a 2-1 success at the Etihad last term.
DPP Verdict
Even if Man City are unable to recover some of their unnamed players from COVID-19 infection, Guardiola’s side are refreshed, a force to be reckoned with at home and need no added incentive to all but extinguish the Blues’ title hopes. Chelsea ought to be buoyed by two professional performances against Tottenham, but Man City away is a whole different kettle of fish, and we expect fatigue to work against the Blues as the champions extend their lead at the top.
