Crystal Palace’s 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge on Saturday may have just exposed a slight chink in what seemed like impenetrable Chelsea armour. It was Chelsea’s first defeat in 13 games in all competitions and just the 2nd time they failed to win at home all season – they have won 12 of their 14 other Premier League home games so far, only Tottenham have a better home record in 2016/17.
Man City have endured a very hit and miss first campaign under Pep Guardiola. Their failure to beat an on the ropes Arsenal side at the weekend means they have won just once in 5 games, with their solitary win coming in the FA Cup away at a Middlesbrough side caught in a nose dive. City have been far more effective away from home all season, winning 31 points on the road compared to 27 points at the Etihad.
Chelsea have scored in every home game they have played this season – that 100% scoring record is almost matched by Man City’s 80% away game scoring one. It looks as though we are in for goals on Wednesday night. Chelsea managed a season defining 3-1 win at City when the sides met back in December, with second half goals from Diego Costa, Willian and Eden Hazard cancelling out Gary Cahill’s own goal opener. Read our detailed Chelsea v Man City betting tips below.
Antonio Conte is a cautious manager and will be wary of the problems that the pace of City’s forwards can cause. I expect him to set up like the away side and attempt to counter Man City from deep positions. City always look like scoring, but their porous defence continually struggles against the better sides in the Premier League. It’s hard to separate these two, so I’m going to go for a score draw.
Ladbrokes have an excellent price for Wednesday’s game to end in a score draw – 3/1 is a too healthy an offer to turn down. With City’s vulnerability from set pieces and Chelsea’s strength attacking them, Gary Cahill is a great outside bet to score anytime at odds of 10/1 with Bet365.