If you told yourself that in mid-to-late November that Chelsea, in the first season under Frank Lampard, would be above champions Manchester City in the table, you would've been laughed at. That is now the reality.
It is unlike Manchester City, or any Pep Guardiola side, to have lost three games by this stage of the season. The loss to Liverpool last time out seemed inevitable due to their defensive frailties. Guardiola failed to replace Vincent Kompany and started the season with just three centre backs (Laporte, Otamendi and Stones). Laporte picked up a long term injury that makes him unavailable until January, Otamendi was injured and along with Stones, them two are not of the same level as Laporte. With two not able to play, Stones was paired with 5'9" defensive midfielder Fernandinho in central defence. Guardiola must take responsibility for not adequately preparing his squad for the season.
Manchester City, although Guardiola will argue otherwise, practically have an unlimited source of finance. Chelsea, as is always pointed out, are undergoing a transfer ban and have promoted several young players to the first team. Lampard was appointed on a mandate to do this and the likes of Abraham, Mount, Tomori and James are all benefiting and making Chelsea better. The Blues have win six straight league matches and have clicked into Lampard's methods. The title race still seems like a two horse race but as Leicester and Chelsea are above Manchester City, why aren't they being mentioned in the same capacity?
Claudio Bravo's presence in goal does not help to reassure an already fragile City defence but luckily for them Ederson has returned to training and should reimpose himself between the sticks. Bernardo Silva is unavailable due to his one match suspension for the racially insensitive tweet he sent Benjamin Mendy but City's plethora of attacking talent means he shouldn't be missed too much. Jorginho returns for Chelsea after his suspension and Christian Pulisic looks to have shaken off an injury sustained with the USA, although Callum Hudson-Odoi may not be ready in time.
This fixture last season saw Chelsea lose 6-0 in an embarrassing display. They were played off the park by Manchester City and showed the naivety of then manager Maurizio Sarri to still play his expansive, attacking football away to the title holders. That result turned many Chelsea fans against Sarri and he ultimately left at the end of the season to a better job in Juventus. Lampard still has a few questions over him as a manager (he is young so he is not the finished article yet) but beating City would certainly be a great win against his critics.
Chelsea do have the potential to upset the apple cart here but I don't think they will. The result won't be as bad as the last time but City will be up for the this to atone for their loss against Liverpool. Every match for City must be a win if they are to catch Liverpool at the top. If Fernandinho does play in defence then Abraham must isolate him to give Chelsea a chance. I'll go 3-1 City. Aguero double with Sterling but Abraham scoring a header.
It is unlike Manchester City, or any Pep Guardiola side, to have lost three games by this stage of the season. The loss to Liverpool last time out seemed inevitable due to their defensive frailties. Guardiola failed to replace Vincent Kompany and started the season with just three centre backs (Laporte, Otamendi and Stones). Laporte picked up a long term injury that makes him unavailable until January, Otamendi was injured and along with Stones, them two are not of the same level as Laporte. With two not able to play, Stones was paired with 5'9" defensive midfielder Fernandinho in central defence. Guardiola must take responsibility for not adequately preparing his squad for the season.
Manchester City, although Guardiola will argue otherwise, practically have an unlimited source of finance. Chelsea, as is always pointed out, are undergoing a transfer ban and have promoted several young players to the first team. Lampard was appointed on a mandate to do this and the likes of Abraham, Mount, Tomori and James are all benefiting and making Chelsea better. The Blues have win six straight league matches and have clicked into Lampard's methods. The title race still seems like a two horse race but as Leicester and Chelsea are above Manchester City, why aren't they being mentioned in the same capacity?
Claudio Bravo's presence in goal does not help to reassure an already fragile City defence but luckily for them Ederson has returned to training and should reimpose himself between the sticks. Bernardo Silva is unavailable due to his one match suspension for the racially insensitive tweet he sent Benjamin Mendy but City's plethora of attacking talent means he shouldn't be missed too much. Jorginho returns for Chelsea after his suspension and Christian Pulisic looks to have shaken off an injury sustained with the USA, although Callum Hudson-Odoi may not be ready in time.
This fixture last season saw Chelsea lose 6-0 in an embarrassing display. They were played off the park by Manchester City and showed the naivety of then manager Maurizio Sarri to still play his expansive, attacking football away to the title holders. That result turned many Chelsea fans against Sarri and he ultimately left at the end of the season to a better job in Juventus. Lampard still has a few questions over him as a manager (he is young so he is not the finished article yet) but beating City would certainly be a great win against his critics.
Chelsea do have the potential to upset the apple cart here but I don't think they will. The result won't be as bad as the last time but City will be up for the this to atone for their loss against Liverpool. Every match for City must be a win if they are to catch Liverpool at the top. If Fernandinho does play in defence then Abraham must isolate him to give Chelsea a chance. I'll go 3-1 City. Aguero double with Sterling but Abraham scoring a header.
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