Chelsea v Manchester City
Saturday, 17:30
Live on BT Sport 1
Blues in fine fettle
It seems laughable now that Chelsea's opening-day defeat to Burnley prompted quite so much crisis talk. A month on and Antonio Conte's Blues are clearly in rude health, ticking along nicely in the Premier League - four wins in five despite a tough old fixture list - and, in midweek, producing a vintage away performance in Europe to sneak past Atlético Madrid. If Saturday's game against Manchester City is the game of the season so far, the Blues come into it with wind in their sails.
There are positives wherever Conte looks. Álvaro Morata has hit the ground running since arriving from Real Madrid, Tiémoué Bakayoko has looked assured in midfield and trusted players from last season's league win have all taken up where they left off. Factor in the bonus of a returning Eden Hazard, who was electric in midweek, and it's easy to see why many are backing Chelsea to retain their title.
Conte must make at least one change to the side that beat Atleti, with David Luiz still serving a domestic suspension for his red card against Arsenal. That means one of Antonio Rüdiger and Andreas Christensen will start at the back. Further forward, Conte must decide whether to maintain midfield lockdown mode or supplement his attack with Willian or Pedro.
City flying but double injury news a blow
The Premier League table makes pretty good reading for Manchester City at present. 16 points from six games is one thing, but it is the goal difference column that really hints at their dominance: they're 19 to the good after a dynamite start to the campaign. Pep Guardiola must be delighted.
Much has been made of the wealth of attacking options at the Spaniard's disposal - and really, just look at the players he leaves OUT of his starting XI each game - but also notable is just how much City have tightened up at the back: they have already kept six clean sheets this season (all competitions), a tally they didn't reach until December last time out.
Most of those have come without Vincent Kompany and the bad news for the Citizens is that another key member of the backline has joined him in the treatment room: Benjamin Mendy faces a long spell out after injuring knee ligaments. In his absence, there could be a start for Danilo on the left, although Leroy Sané is a wildcard option if Guardiola opts for a back five.
It also emerged on Friday morning that Sergio Aguero has been involved in a car accident, so he could be out for some time.
Little to choose between the sides
The first meeting between these sides last season (3-1 to Chelsea at the Etihad) was a pulsating encounter and there are high hopes that this game will produce something similar. These are two excellent sides with little between them, which is reflected in the market: Chelsea are 2.66 to win with City available at 2.88.
Guardiola will certainly be eyeing some revenge, having lost twice to Conte last term, and is still seeking his first win against Chelsea in his managerial career (D4 L3). Tnd the fact City had an easier midweek - at home, 24 hours earlier - should work in their favour here, but their hosts have dominated this fixture at Stamford Bridge, winning four and drawing two of the last seven.
It feels like a game that could go either way, so the draw may hold appeal at 3.55, but we'll be looking elsewhere for value.
Goals on the cards
Each of the last five meetings has gone over 2.5 goals and there is plenty to suggest this one will pan out the same way. These are two teams with explosive attacking talent and while both have also been in good nick at the back, this is the biggest test of the season so far for both backlines.
It is hard to see City failing to score in any match, while Hazard and Morata will surely trouble Nicolás Otamendi and John Stones. Both teams to score is short at 1.62, so it's worth taking on over 2.5 goals at 1.84. That gives us a chance even in the unlikely event that one side dominates.
Sané in red-hot scoring form
Morata has six goals in six Premier League appearances, which suggests that there is some value in the 2.20 available on him to net on Saturday afternoon. Hazard also tempts at 3.20 but the best pick - if he starts - may be with Sané, who has netted five times in City's last four league games. 3.70 is the price.
Recommended Bet
Back over 2.5 goals at 1.84
