[Preview] Man City vs Chelsea: Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Betting & Prediction

Manchester City entertain Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon in what will be the first titanic clash of the new Premier League season. 

Last seasons top two will face off against each other tomorrow and while it’s far too early for this to be billed as a ‘title decider’, these games always have a huge barring on where the trophy ends up come May so both managers will be desperate to avoid defeat.

City got their campaign off to the perfect start after breezing past West Brom 3-0 at the Hawthorns on Monday night with David Silva in particularly impressive form.

By contrast, Chelsea’s title defence didn’t get off to the ideal start after they were held to a 2-2 draw by Swansea at Stamford Bridge last weekend and the game was overshadowed by a bust-up between Jose Mourinho and his medical staff.

The Portuguese coach will no doubt be keen to put last weeks disappointment behind him and get the West Londoners first three points on the board tomorrow afternoon.

Team news

Sergio Aguero has been past fit by Manuel Pellegrini after he made it through 20 minutes off the bench against the Baggies on Monday night so he could replace Wilfried Bony up front.

Yaya Toure is available despite being forced off holding his groin last time out but Fabian Delph is out with a hamstring injury while Fernando is also ruled out with a groin problem.

Chelsea will be without first choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois after his appeal for his sending off against Swansea was rejected, so Asmir Begovic is set to make his full debut in goal.

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Oscar is a doubt for the game after picking up a knock in training so Ramires could come in to offer more legs in midfield.

Likely Line-Ups

Predicted Score

Man City 0-1 Chelsea: City have only won just two of their last nine games against Chelsea in the Premier League and I can see Mourinho pulling off a tactical masterclass tomorrow. He will be desperate not to lose so I expect his side to stay deep and compact, and hit City on the break, and with the likes of Hazard and Costa in attack I think they might just edge it 1-0.

Betting Tips

Man City are the narrow 23/20 favourites to win the game but I think Chelsea are going to edge it and Football-Talk can get new customers enhanced odds of 8/1 on the Blues taking home the three points. That’s surely got to be worth a few quid!?

Click here to back a Chelsea win at crazy odds of 8/1

What do you think? What line-up would you like to see start?