Chelsea vs Manchester City Prediction & Betting Tips (12 April)

Expected in the fight for the Big 4 this season, Chelsea are behind on their progress. Indeed, the London team now occupies 6th place in the Premier League with 1 point behind 5th place, which offers a ticket for the next Champions League. After a promising start, coach Liam Rosenior has had a more turbulent few weeks recently. The Blues have only pocketed one victory in the last 6 days, for 2 draws and 3 defeats. They also suffered setbacks against Newcastle 0-1 and Everton 3-0. Last weekend, Chelsea easily dominated Port Vale in the quarter-final of the FA Cup 7-0. Manchester City is currently 2nd in the Premier League and is, with one game in hand, 9 points behind leader Arsenal.

Pep Guardiola's gang has not yet said their last word in the battle for the title but their fate is no longer really in their hands. After having chained four victories in a row, the Skyblues let slip precious points during the last two days. Indeed, they were held to a draw by Nottingham Forest 2-2 and West Ham 1-1. Just before the international break, the Citizens won a title by winning the League Cup final against Arsenal 2-0. Last weekend, they made their mark by inflicting a real correction on Liverpool in the quarter-final of the FA Cup 4-0. 

Several elements are missing from Chelsea this weekend. This is the case of captain Reece James, potentially starting defender Chalobah, long-term absentee Colwill and replacement goalkeeper Jorgensen, all injured. In addition, winger Mudryk has not finished serving his long suspension for doping while Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who expressed his desire to leave in the media, was dismissed by Rosenior. In the offensive sector, we should find Pedro Neto (5 goals and 4 assists in PL), Palmer (9 goals in PL) and Joao Pedro (14 goals and 5 assists in PL). Note that wingers Estevao (2 goals and 2 assists in PL) and Garnacho (1 goal and 4 assists in PL) scored last weekend in the FA Cup. For this meeting, Manchester City still cannot count on the important defender Gvardiol, insufficiently recovered from his injury. Also absent last weekend, experienced defenders Ruben Dias and Stones are uncertain.

Erling Haaland (22 goals and 7 assists in the PL) shone against Liverpool with a resounding hat-trick. Winter recruit Semenyo (5 goals in 9 PL games) also scored. The attacking quartet was completed by Cherki (3 goals and 8 assists in PL) and Doku (1 goal and 4 assists in PL) while goalkeeper Donnarumma was on the bench. The former Parisian experienced further disillusionment with Italy's non-qualification for the World Cup. He should find his place in the cages this weekend. 

• Summary: Chelsea played against Manchester City in 1 matches this season. Currently, Chelsea rank 6th, while Manchester City hold 2nd position. Looking to compare the best-rated player on both teams? Sofascore's rating system assigns each player a specific rating based on numerous data factors.
• Referee: Chris Kavanagh
• Chelsea Feedinco Rating: 6.88
• Manchester City Feedinco Rating: 7.01