Both sides come into this game off the back of some impressive results; the Blues recovered from a nightmare start against Cardiff City last week, eventually dispatching the Bluebirds 4-1, and secured a fantastic away win in the Champions League in mid-week, handsomely beating German side Schalke 3-0.
City meanwhile went to Upton Park and produced an attacking master-class, tearing apart a usually solid West Ham United back-line with their astute passing, patient build-up play and impeccable movement. They followed up that 3-1 victory with an excellent result in the Champions League, beating CSKA Moscow on their own patch 2-1.
Both clubs have found early season form, in large part thanks to the performances of their star men. Chelsea have looked strong since the first whistle, but it’s taken some time for their strike force to really make a significant impact. Fernando Torres once again showed flashes of his former self in mid-week, but Blues fans have seen this all before; they’ll be hoping he can carry that kind of performance into the league week-in and week-out.
The same can’t be said about the City attacking threat; their key men up top have looked sharp right from the get-go. It may have something to do with the sheer number of quality forwards now at the club; if you want to stay in the starting line-up, you have to play out of your skin and make an impact. Or it might be to do with the arrival of Manuel Pellegrini, whose approach to the game is the polar opposite to former manager Roberto Mancini. Either way, they are one of the most dangerous sides in the league at the present moment.
It’s not all been plain sailing though for either side; Chelsea and City have suffered from some defensive howlers in these opening games, with the latter especially suffering thanks to Joe Hart’s loss of form.
This is a tough game to call, but with both sides seemingly beginning to fire on all cylinders it should be a hell of a contest. However, I think City might just edge it
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