Money money money...as far as you can see...spent it all on players and fame....but what the hell has it done for thee? Mancini felt the cold winds of Manchester midweek with the Carling Cup exit at the hands of West Brom. These are games that MUST be won, even with the reserves. Winning builds momentum, builds confidence, justifies salaries, and keeps the pressure off the manager`s shoulders. A 2-2-1 start to the League is not bad, but for a club that has invested so much and claimed so much so soon, it isn`t good enough. A 1-0 loss at Sunderland. Only 1.20 goals average. Only 7pts from a possible 12 vs bottom half teams, and only 1 game vs a top half side in their opening 5 matches. It was an easy opening run of fixtures but it hasn`t gone to plan. City NEED to show they can compete, and that means winning these matches. The lack of goals is a major point of concern when you have paid so much cash for a strikeforce. Tevez does well, but there is little support from elsewhere. I hope he plays Silva more as he has shown the touches required to change a game, while injuries to Balotelli are unfortunate but all part of the game. They MUST make sure they haver a solid Plan B.
Chelsea face tougher test
A lot has been written about the opening fixtures that Chelsea have had and how easy it was for them to rack up 100% record. IT IS NEVER EASY. Fact, They have done very well in dominating games, players and fans. Like a proverbial steamroller they have crushed side after side, and goals have flown in from everywhere. How can that be easy to do in the EPL? Losing to Newcastle in the Cup will have given them a shock but maybe that was the best thing as it will serve as a timely reminder that they are not invincible. Lampard`s absence plays a part for sure, but they have enough depth to cope, and as long as Drogba, Cole, Anelka, and Malouda keep creating chances then they will keep scoring. It`s all about the goals, and more so with Man City who have enough trouble scoring with a full strength side in place. This is a tougher test in many ways for the Blues, but they should not have any concerns at all regards the quality of opposition as City have shown themselves to be too inconsistent to be viewed as League contenders just yet.
Out for Six
Chelsea can make it 6 from 6, and maintain their great start to the season. Mancini has already stated he has some issues with a full strength back four for this game making it even easier for the visitors to feel confident after their loss midweek. For all the cash that has spent assembling this Chelsea squad it is certainly not the biggest in terms of numbers, which makes it tricky when injuries happen. However, they have quality all the way through the ranks and I fully expect a winning performance from whoever takes to the field this weekend. City don`t threaten enough in terms of goal, while Chelsea are guaranteed to be attacking from the start.
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Prediction:
Tip: 2
Odd: 2.24
Bookie: Pinnacle
Stake: 8 /10
Tipster: Kather
