class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>Having run out 1-0 winners in the most recent encounter, Al Hain-Cole is backing the in-form Blues to at least avoid defeat against Guariola's men
Manchester City and Chelsea will perform a dress rehearsal of this season’s Champions League final when they meet at the Etihad Stadium in Saturday’s Premier League clash.
The Citizens booked their place in a first ever European Cup final after easing past Paris Saint-Germain 4-1 on aggregate in midweek, with Chelsea beating Real Madrid 3-1 a day later.
Manchester City vs Chelsea Latest Odds
Having come out on top in each of their last three home games against this opposition, they are 17/20 (1.85) favourites with bet365 to secure a victory that would also see them crowned league champions.
However, Thomas Tuchel’s men ran out 1-0 winners in the recent FA Cup semi-final encounter at Wembley and can be backed at 10/3 (4.33) to strike another blow with a confidence-boosting win here.
Just one of the last 15 encounters between this pair has resulted in a draw, but you can get odds of 5/2 (3.50) on them cancelling each other out in this one.
Manchester City vs Chelsea Team News
John Stones will serve the last game of his three-match ban for the hosts, who have a fully fit squad to choose from.
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Mateo Kovacic is the only injury concern for the away team, as he continues to recover from the hamstring issue that has kept him out for the past month.
Manchester City vs Chelsea Preview
Despite the 19-point gap currently separating them in the league, Pep Guardiola’s men will be well aware of the threat Chelsea pose to their long wait for European success.
Indeed, the Blues have already demonstrated their ability to shut down even the very best opposition since Tuchel’s arrival, remaining unbeaten against Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham, both Madrid clubs and also City themselves.
Having kept their opponents at arm’s length throughout last month’s FA Cup semi-final victory, they will back themselves to put in another controlled performance as they look to lay down a marker ahead of the trip to Istanbul.
Manchester City vs Chelsea Tips and Predictions
Considering the home side have lost two of their last three league fixtures in their own backyard, odds of 5/6 (1.83) seem fairly generous on Chelsea at least avoiding defeat in what is set to be an intriguing encounter.
All odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.