Different shades of blue take to the field at the Bridge on Sunday in contrasting circumstances. Guardiola’s camp has been ravaged by the corona virus with five members of the first team affected and currently self-isolating. Frank Lampard on the other hand has seen his sidedip in form, picking up just four points from the last five games. Th clash is set to be the first thriller of the new year.
Date, Time, Venue and Match officials
The clash takes place at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, 3rd January 2021 at 7.30pm EAT (4.30pm GMT).
Anthony Taylor will be the centre referee, assisted by Gary Beswick, Adam Nunn. Mike Dean will be in charge of the VAR.
Head to head
Chelsea hold the edge in the head to head records, winning 26, drawing 7 and lossing 13. The Blues won 2-1 when the sides last met in the league.
Team news
Hakim Ziyech who has been out for over a month has returned to training but is unlikely to start. Recce James is set to miss out due to a hamstring problem.
Kyle Walker and Gabriel Jesus are set to miss out after returning positive Covid-19 tests. Three more players whose identity is still unkown are also going to be out due to the same issue.
Key Men
French striker Olivier Giroud has produced the goods whenever called upon by the gaffer. When starting he has scored 15 goals from 16 games.
He has scored nine goals in all competitions this season.
Belgian midfield maestro Kevin De Bryune is always a cause of concvern for opposing defenders. His ability to pick a key pass and his exceptional ability at set pieces could cause Chelsea problems.
He has two goals and seven assists in the premier league this season.
Probable Lineups
Chelsea – 4-3-3
Mendy; Azpillicueta, Zouma, Silva, Chilwell; Kante, Kovacic, Mount: Werner, Giroud, Pulisic.
Manchester City – 4-2-3-1
Steffen; Cancelo, Dias, Stones, Mendy; Rodrigo, Gundogan: Sterling, Torres, De Bryune: Aguero.
Editors predictions
Dennis Munene: Chelsea 2 Man City 1
Noah Okello: Chelsea 1 Man City 0
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