Preview: Manchester City vs. Chelsea - prediction, team news, lineups
Manchester City, fresh off their third consecutive Premier League title, are preparing to face Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium in their final home game of the season. Regardless of the outcome, City will be presented with the trophy after the match. Chelsea, seeking revenge after losing to City three times this season, including a 1-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge, will be determined to put up a strong performance.
Manchester City's recent success has put them on the verge of a historic achievement, with the opportunity to win three trophies this season. They have already secured a place in the Champions League final after a dominant 4-0 victory over Real Madrid in the second leg of the semi-finals. Their goals came from Bernardo Silva (2), Manuel Akanji, and Julian Alvarez. They will face Inter Milan in the final on June 10. Additionally, City has an FA Cup final against Manchester United at Wembley scheduled a week prior to the Champions League final.
Having already secured the Premier League title with a comfortable lead over second-placed Arsenal, City is enjoying a remarkable winning streak. They have won all of their last 11 Premier League matches and have been particularly dominant at home, winning all 16 matches at the Etihad since the beginning of the year. During this impressive run, they scored 56 goals while conceding only seven. Their home winning streak began with a comprehensive 4-0 victory against Chelsea in the FA Cup third round in January.
With the title already secured, Pep Guardiola and his team will aim to finish their home fixtures on a high note by defeating Chelsea before lifting the Premier League trophy in front of their fans. The atmosphere is expected to be celebratory and festive at the Etihad.
On the other hand, Chelsea has had a disappointing season and is currently sitting in 11th place in the Premier League table, a significant 42 points behind Manchester City. They recently drew 2-2 with Nottingham Forest, a result that further dampened their hopes of a top-half finish. Chelsea has struggled against teams above them in the table, failing to win any of their last 14 Premier League matches against such opponents. Moreover, they have lost six of their last seven visits to the Etihad.
In terms of team news, Manchester City's only injury concern is Nathan Ake, a former Chelsea defender, who is doubtful due to a hamstring injury. Guardiola is expected to make some changes to the starting lineup, potentially bringing in Aymeric Laporte in defense. Players like Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden, and Julian Alvarez are also vying for starting positions. Captain Ilkay Gundogan and playmaker Kevin De Bruyne are expected to lead the team's attack, supporting top scorer Erling Braut Haaland.
Chelsea, on the other hand, has several absentees due to injuries, including Reece James, Ben Chilwell, Mason Mount, N'Golo Kante, and others. Frank Lampard may opt to make changes to the lineup, with Wesley Fofana likely to replace the injured Benoit Badiashile. Lampard has a selection dilemma in the attacking third, with Kai Havertz, Joao Felix, Noni Madueke, Mykhaylo Mudryk, and Hakim Ziyech all competing for a starting spot alongside Raheem Sterling.
In conclusion, Manchester City will look to celebrate their Premier League triumph by defeating Chelsea in their final home game of the season. The atmosphere at the Etihad is expected to be joyous as City lifts the trophy after the match. Meanwhile, Chelsea will seek to avenge their previous defeats against City and improve their disappointing league position.
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