The UEFA Champions League features arguably the most important match of the season as Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City lock horns with Chelsea at the Estadio do Dragao in Portugal today.
The two Premier League giants have been impressive this season and could mark a landmark moment in their history this weekend.
Manchester City have been exceptional under Pep Guardiola this season. They have already managed to win both the Premier League and the Carabao Cup during the campaign. The Cityzens are a tactically robust unit and could win the first UEFA Champions League trophy in their history on Saturday.
Chelsea, on the other hand, have been a resurgent force under Thomas Tuchel and managed a top-four finish this season. The Blues have been a thorn in Manchester City’s side and could complete their renaissance with a victory in this fixture.
Chelsea have an impressive record against Manchester City and have won 70 matches out of a total of 168 games played between the two teams. Manchester City have managed 59 victories against Chelsea and have a point to prove in this fixture.
The previous meeting between the two teams took place in the Premier League earlier this month and ended in a 2-1 victory for Chelsea. The Blues also dumped Manchester City out of the FA Cup this year and will want a similar result this weekend.
Pep Guardiola has opted to play without a striker on several occasions this season and is likely to adopt a similar approach against Chelsea. Manchester City have a fully-fit squad at the moment and will have to field their strongest side in this match.
Edouard Mendy was taken off against Aston Villa last week but is likely to return to the fold in this match. Chelsea are also sweating over N’Golo Kante’s fitness but should be able to avail his services against Manchester City.
Manchester City have one of the strongest squads in the world at the moment and have blown their opponents away this season. Guardiola has had his problems against Chelsea in the past, however, and will have to address the chinks in his side’s armor this weekend.
Chelsea have also been inconsistent this month and cannot afford to put a foot wrong against Guardiola’s side. Manchester City hold a slight upper hand on paper and could create history with a victory this weekend. Prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Chelsea.
