City travel to the capital on the back of three straight wins and undefeated in five league games, six in all competitions. They face a Chelsea side without three key defenders; could City gain at least a point at the Bridge?
Vital Quotes:
Sven talks about the Chelsea danger man Drogba: “No, we don`t have a special approach for him but we have trained on certain things (this week) and talked about it. We`ll carry on talking about Chelsea up until the game itself.
“We won`t mark Drogba man-for-man, we won`t change many things but you have to be aware that he`s strong, has great technique and he`s quick. If you are in the wrong position against him, it`s goodnight!
“You have to pay him a lot of attention, but it`s not only about Drogba. Their two wingers can beat anyone in one-on-one situations, their midfield is strong as well. They are strong everywhere, but we already know that.”
He then goes on to talk about John Terry and Ashley Cole: “The Chelsea squad is so big and will handle being without Terry and Ashley Cole.”
Chelsea Team News:
Chelsea captain John Terry (knee) and fellow England defender Ashley Cole (ankle) are still sidelined but the Blues have no new injury worries.
Wayne Bridge is ruled out through suspension and Michael Ballack is still missing with ankle problems.
Player to watch: Didier Drogba
After a little while settling into the premiership when he first arrived he has proved that he can be an awsome strike force on his own and not only is he a great scorer, but a scorer of great goals, when he is not admitting to diving against City that is!
Manchester City Team News:
City are unlikely to change their match winning side that has a formula to open up defences at will. The only possible change might be that Rolando Bianchi might be in the squad.
aleri Bojinov being City’s only long term injury. Also City are now without Kasper Schmeichel as he has gone on a month’s loan to Cardiff.
Player to watch: Blumer Elano
After taking a couple of games to hit third gear, Elano is now ‘bluming’ into a City great with his great skill and vision and ability to find the back of the net.
Match Facts & Stats
Chelsea vie for their 50th league victory over Manchester City, and a fifth in a row; City have not managed a single goal in five league games against the Londoners, and just one goal in 10 clashes with them.
rior to the inception of the premier league, City had a very favourable record against Chelsea but in twenty premiership matches together City have only managed two victories with Chelsea winning a staggering fourteen of those.
Ref Watch:
Mike Riley – City’s first game this season with the yorkshireman. Riley has yet to send anyone of this season and his has just returned from Moscow, much like myself, but he referee’d a home side defeat. Riley last took charge of City against Preston in the 5th round of the FA Cup where he only booked one player, Hill of Preston.
Match Prediction:
With Chelsea without three key defenders, they will be weaker on one of the flanks and because of this I think City can capitalise, but I think Didier will get his goal against us. Chelsea 1 – 1 City.
Next Fixtures:
Football League Cup. Away to Bolton on Halloween. Oct 31st at 8pm.