The pick of the Premier League fixtures this weekend has to be Man City v Chelsea at the Etihad on Saturday evening.
Having looked like they were finding some form again in recent weeks, City were shredded by PSG in Europe on Wednesday night and now need to turn around quickly as they take on a Chelsea side who have shown their potential this season under former Guardiola assistant Enzo Maresca.
The definitive big man with a nice touch Peter Crouch gave us his view and his favourite bets for the game – and remember, Paddy’s Super Sub offer means your bet rolls on even if your player selection gets taken off early…
Man City v Chelsea Bet Builder
Double chance: Chelsea & Draw
Cole Palmer 1+ shots on target
Nicolas Jackson 2+ shots
Erling Haaland to score
Mateo Kovacic to commit 1+ fouls
A bet builder with these selections pays at approximately 9/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK OR TAP HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP
WHEN: Saturday, January 25, 5:30pm
WHERE: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
TV: Sky Sports Main Event
Man City used to be the best in the world when they got ahead like they did in Paris on Wednesday night. They’d control those games and it’d be all over.
Now they’re making sloppy errors, and PSG strangled them with their pressing. They were cut open so easily too. That’s the worrying thing. Even in the first half it felt like PSG had so many chances they should’ve scored.
It was very unlike the City we know. There was panic, they were giving the ball away, they were all over the place.
It really felt like it was a matter of time before PSG turned it around, which is odd to say about City.
When you think about how recently it looked like they were bouncing back after their poor run – they had that big win last weekend, scoring lots of goals and, you would think, filling them full of confidence – but a defeat like this could put them right back where they were before Christmas.
They are trying to strengthen in January with these transfers they are making, but they are weakening too when you see someone like Kyle Walker leaving.
He’s bailed them out so many times over the years and to lose someone like him, regardless of his recent form, is still a big loss.
They’ve not addressed the midfield with their moves either, where it looks like they need more mobility since Rodri’s injury.
De Bruyne’s struggled for fitness this season, Kovacic, Gundogan – it looks like more legs are needed in there.
ETIHAD STADIUM, MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM – 2024/09/18: A general view outside Etihad Stadium is seen prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 league phase football match between Manchester City FC and FC Internazionale. The match ended 0-0 tie. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
They’ve been all over the shop defensively too. Rodri’s part of that, but there’s also players out of form back there.
It means they look vulnerable to me with Chelsea going to the Etihad on Saturday.
Before Christmas, the way Chelsea were playing, I thought they looked like the likeliest challengers to Liverpool in the league.
They surprsised everyone this season with how well they’ve done, given all they comings and goings at the club.
They did have sticky patch over the last month or so. They did get a good win against Wolves last week, but they were lucky against Bournemouth to get a point and lost a few other games.
Double chance: Chelsea & Draw
Still, they have shown they are a really good side this season and I’ve picked them to win this on my podcast this week.
They can soak up pressure for sure and hit City on the break with their pace, I see them scoring and causing big problems.
For a Bet Builder, I think Chelsea win or draw makes a lot of sense
Cole Palmer 1+ shots on target
Obviously, he’s going back to his old team, he’ll want to do well there. He’s had an ankle knock and is crucial to Chelsea’s chances here, but he played against Wolves and should be in the team on Saturday.
A shot on target is the minimum I’d expect.
Nicolas Jackson 2+ shots
This game looks set up for him to cause problems. I fancy him to score, but a couple of shots should be expected for sure.
Erling Haaland to score
He has scored five goals in his last five games and looks to be back on form again. He has the new contract now too meaning he’ll be at City for years to come and you can’t really look beyond him for a goalscorer for them.
Mateo Kovacic to commit 1+ fouls
He’s been a regular in the team this season and usually commits at least one foul according to the stats.
Peter Crouch’s Man City v Chelsea tips
Double chance: Chelsea & Draw
Cole Palmer 1+ shots on target
Nicolas Jackson 2+ shots
Erling Haaland to score
Mateo Kovacic to commit 1+ fouls
A bet builder with these selections pays at approximately 9/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK OR TAP HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP
* 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.
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