Chelsea’s hold on a spot in the top four is pretty tenuous heading into their match with Manchester City in the Premier League Game of the Week this Saturday. The Citizens have yet to lose a game this season, and they already boast a goal differential of +38. They are on pace to finish the year with 114 goals, and that would smash their own record that they set last year. Meanwhile, the Blues are tied for fourth place with London rival Arsenal, and they only have the edge due to a better goal differential. However, the Gunners have already faced City this year, and Chelsea likely need to grab a win in order to keep pace.
Don't miss the English Premier League action from Stamford Bridge in London at 12:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 8, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on NBC.
English Premier League Betting at BookMaker.eu
Chelsea +286
Manchester City -111
Draw +279
Over/Under 3
Odds Analysis
Manchester City are odds-on favorites to win their second straight Premier League title, and they have been insanely dominant this year. City have not dropped points in two months, when they played Liverpool to a 0-0 draw in Anfield, and they have played all the other big clubs in England save Chelsea to this point. Their last match came on Tuesday, and City were sharp in a 2-1 victory on the road against Watford.
Just last month, Chelsea were right on the heels of Liverpool for second place in the league, but the Blues have failed to get a win in three of their last four matches and are now in danger of falling to fifth. They drew with Everton at home a few weeks ago, and their last two road trips ended in losses as they fell to Tottenham last week and lost to Wolves on Wednesday. The loss to Wolves was especially painful as they were up 1-0 for most of the match, but Wolverhampton scored twice in four minutes to get the victory.
Key Injuries
Marco van Ginkel is the only definite scratch on the side of Chelsea. Victor Moses has been listed as questionable as he continues to deal with a lower back injury, and Ross Barkley is doubtful because of an ankle problem.
Eliaquim Mangala and Claudio Bravo are long-term injuries for Manchester City, while Benjamin Mendy is out for the next few months. Oleksandr Zinchenko and Vincent Kompany are both considered questionable to play, while Sergio Aguero and Kevin de Bruyne are both listed as doubtful.
Player to Watch
Riyad Mahrez was the one major addition for City this offseason, and he has paid major dividends. He set up Leroy Sane for the game’s first goal, and he scored what ended up being the eventual game-winner with a cracking strike early in the second half. Mahrez has tallied five goals thus far this season, and he has earned a spot in the starting lineup.
Prop Bet of the Game – Will Both Teams Score? Yes -181
As good as City have been, they have had some problems in defense this year. The Citizens have allowed goals in four of their last five Premier League matches, and the only club that failed to score against them was West Ham. Chelsea are the third-highest scoring team in the league, and the Blues should be able to crack through. On the other side of the pitch, I don’t know anyone who thinks that the Blues will hold a clean sheet against a team with the talent of City.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
I think there is a good chance Chelsea pick up a result here. Although they will have one less day of rest, they are relatively healthy all things considered, and they can pick up a point at home against City with Eden Hazard leading the charge.
English Premier League Odds: Chelsea 2, Manchester City 2
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