Man City v Chelsea
Man City Vs Chelsea at Etihad Stadium on Sunday 24th February 2013.
Last Win/Defeat Last Win/Defeat
Won 2-0 v Fulham (H) 19/1/13 Won 4-1 v Wigan (H) 9/2/13
Lost 3-1 v Southampton (A) 9/2/13 Lost 3-2 v Newcastle (A) 2/2/13
Last Corresponding Game:
Man City 2-1 Chelsea
Man City: Manager, Roberto Mancini
Man City’s hopes of retaining its title are not looking good after their shock defeat to Southampton with Mancini effectively conceding their ability to win the championship. Their last loss was the team’s third defeat of the season.
With Jason Puncheon and Steven Davis putting the Saints ahead 2-0 by around the 20 minute mark the result was just about sealed for Man City.
Man City had now gone three English Premier League games without a win and with 9 points behind Man United.
According to Roberto Mancini it is both difficult and imperative to remain positive following their defeat by Southampton.
The lack of players of the calibre of Vincent Kompany was a serious loss in the Southampton game – facts are facts – overall Southampton played the better game in addition to Man City putting in a particularly poor performance.
Top marks to Roberto Mancini for not allowing excuses for a poor performance.
This forthcoming game is truly a “must win” for both teams.
Chelsea: Manager, Rafael Benitez.
Chelsea are back on track which must be pleasing news for Rafael Benitez as rumour and gossip have been doing the rounds regarding his on-going tenure at Chelsea. Is there some credence to be given to reports that he has not spoken to Roman Abramovitch for approximately three week according to various media reports?
The Blues were too strong for the much weaker Wigan at Stamford Bridge resulting in a 4-1 victory for The Blues, however, they are up against a stronger team in Man City when they meet on Saturday night.
Man City are playing far from their top game of late, last three games in the English Premier League without a win so gaining the points will be of paramount concern for both the Man City team and Mancini himself. A tactical concern Benitez should be able to work to his advantage. Chelsea are in there with a reasonable chance if Ramires and Eden Hazard can put on the superb display as they did against Wigan – also Frank Lampard and Marko Marin should gain a mention for the excellence they put on display in the clash against Wigan.
Such an important game for Chelsea and Benitez – should prove to be a great spectacle – we hope so!
