* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
Paddy Power ambassador Phil Thompson is joined by our top football Jason Murphy to give you the low down on one of the weekend’s biggest games. Saturday kicks off in style as Manchester City host Chelsea at The Etihad. So, without further ado, which way do the lads see this one going?
WELCOME TO PADDY POWER NEWS
Manchester City host Chelsea
BT Sport 1 and BT Sport Ultimate
THOMMO: This is a wonderful game, but what can you say about Manchester City at the moment? They just smash all records, everything’s going for them. They’ve got the best defence, only conceding 13 goals. They’ve won 14 of the last 15 in all competitions.
They’re the top goal scorers in the Premier League with 53 goals and have had 18 different scorers! You’re looking at it, they’ve won their last 11 in the Premier League, scored in 33. They’re playing at home and you’ve got to fancy them.
They’ve had a bit of a rest this week as well, haven’t they, which doesn’t happen very often. Chelsea, they’ll be happy about getting to the Carabao Cup final but they’ve drawn four of their last five in the Premier League and won just four of the last 11 in the Premier League.
They’re the draw specialists, they’ve drawn five of the last six Premier League games at home, have Chelsea. I’m going for Man City to Win this one.
There’s been 18 different scorers for Manchester City so picking one is difficult. Again, with all the Covid and injuries check the team sheet. But I’ve got Ilkay Gundogan to Score Anytime down here. I do fancy him to be on the scoresheet.
JASON: An interesting angle I’d have is not a forward to get a goal but a forward to get a booking. Gabriel Jesus is a nice price to be carded and I’ll tell you why.
Forwards coming about 11% of fouls on the football pitch but they only pick up about 7% of the cards. Gabriel Jesus when he’s on the pitch this season is about 17% of the fouls per game in that Man City team and he’s been doing it throughout his career at the club.
He hasn’t been booked yet this season, it’s probably a bit hard on defenders who commit about 8% of fouls but pick up 11% of bookings! If he starts it’s angle to look at.
In terms of the match betting I have to agree with Phil, Man City to Win the game. I wouldn’t back it at any shorter than 4/6. You need to have a cut off for your value. If they go off 4/6 or bigger I’d take it because if you look at the last meeting between the sides Chelsea were so disappointing.
They were top of the table coming into that game five games into the season. They were so passive and the line up they’ll have for this game will be weaker than that one. Reece James is missing, Edouard Mendy is at AFCON, so they will be weaker.
Man City v Chelsea tips
THOMMO
Manchester City to Win
Ilkay Gundogan to Score Anytime
JASON
Gabriel Jesus to be booked
Manchester City to Win
* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
Read
- Need team news to complete your Bet Builder? Well, now Paddy’s got you covered
- B*llend d’Or 2021: Paddy Power’s end of year football awards
- January transfer window 2022: When does it open and close for Premier League clubs?