Manchester City v Chelsea – A Look At The Opposition

Finally, the international break is over and Manchester City can get back to the serious business of chasing Liverpool at the top of the Premier League. The blues lost their last game at Anfield and now sit in fourth place in the league, one point behind Saturday’s visitors.

Chelsea had a bit of a tough start to the season under former blue Frank Lampard, but how have they been since that dodgy start?

Chelsea started their season with a 4-0 thrashing at Old Trafford, struggled to successive home draws against Leicester and Sheffield United and gaining their only win in August at Norwich. Two out of three Premier League wins in August relieved the pressure on Lampard, which was followed in October by three straight wins. They have followed up that good run of form by wining at Watford and beating Crystal Palace in their last Premier League game and have emerged as potential title challengers, alongside Leicester City.

Saturday’s visitors have scored 27 goals so far, but they have the worst defensive record in the top five, conceding 17. Even fifth placed, Premier League new boys Sheffield United have conceded less (9).

Tammy Abraham is currently Chelsea’s top scorer with 11 goals so far, but the England man also has three assists, this season, making him huge threat to City’s sometimes shaky defence. Michy Batshuayi and Christian Pulisic have scored five each, as well as recording 2 assists each too. Youngster Mason Mount has four, while Willian has three goals and three assists, meaning their attack may be a bit of a worry for City.

Chelsea lost star man Eden Hazard over the summer, and with the Londoners under a transfer ban, Lampard has relied heavily on his youngsters, and that gamble is beginning to pay off.

Frank Lampard is sure to get a warm welcome when he returns to Manchester, but will he be smiling after 90 minutes?