Preview: Chelsea vs Manchester City – prediction, team news, lineups

Chelsea and Manchester City will be giving football fans across the globe 90 minutes of intense battle when they lock horns at Stamford Bridge.

It’s been a mixed season for both clubs as they’ve not been consistent in their pursuit of Premier League title and a lot is at stake when both teams march onto the pitch on Sunday.

Chelsea under Frank Lampard this season have not been convincing as the Blues were held to a draw by Aston Villa in their home ground while Manchester City fixtures with Everton was cancelled.

The new year brings a lot of opportunities for both teams and it’s set to be a game of who takes their chances most.

Team news:

Lampard will be making some changes to the lineup that started against Aston Villa as the likes of Kurt Zouma and Thiago Silva will return having been rested during their last game.

Recce James might return if passed fit while Cesar Azpilicueta could make his 400th appearance for the club if Lampard opts not to risk James.

Lampard gave out a positive news during the week concerning the fitness of Hakim Ziyech and the Moroccan international could play a part if he’s fit.

Chelsea fans might be seeing Mateo Kovacic in midfield with Jorginho likely to sit out while Oliver Giroud will lead the pack alongside Pulisic.

For Manchester City, Ederson might be missing the match after he gave an hint that he’s self isolating after contacting Covid-19
while Eric Garcia who is linked with a move to Barcelona is also unavailable as he nurses a leg injury.

Aguero might be missing another chance to score against Chelsea but Pep Guardiola can call on the service of Feran Torres.

Chelsea possible starting lineup:
Mendy; Zouma, Silva, Azpilicueta, Chilwell; Kante, Kovacic, Mount; Pulisic, Abraham, Werner

Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Steffen; Dias, Stones, Cancelo, Mendy; Rodri, Gundogan; Mahrez, De Bruyne, Sterling; Aguero

Prediction:

It promises to be a tight game between two clubs ready to turn around their season and it’s likely to end in a 1-1 draw due to the importance of the game to both team.