
Chelsea continue their top four hunt with a difficult match at home to current (just) champions Manchester City.
The match is tipped to be an exciting one, with both teams utilising attacking football to good effect this season.
The previous Premier League fixture in between the two was and enthralling November affair that finished 2-1 to the team in sky blue. The end result saw City overtake Chelsea and the Blues of London have not been able to keep up since.
The match is important for both teams, but only City can afford to lose. Chelsea won't want to relinquish the five point gap to Manchester United and Wolves they built up after their victory over Aston Villa.
-
City uncomfortable
In the November fixture, a Pep Guardiola team experienced their lowest ever share of possession with just 46.74% of the ball. It is not they type of game they are used to. Their clinical finishing ultimately snatched them the win at the Etihad, but it could well be a different kettle of fish.
They will be more prepared for Chelsea this time, but Frank Lampard's side do have the quality to unsettle City. The Blues have struggled most against teams that have opted to sit back and defend. It is unlikely City will do this meaning Chelsea's attacking potency could well flourish in such a game.
-
In the groove
City have flown out of the blocks in their two games since the restart, scoring eight and conceding none at all. With such a strong squad, they won't be hindered by squad rotation vital for preventing injuries.
They'll be keen to keep their foot on the gas until UEFA Champions League football for next season is properly secured, so don't think they'll be giving Chelsea an inch just because their hopes of retaining their title are gone.
-
Midfield battle
They key area of the pitch will be where both teams have the most quality. Perhaps only Chelsea and champions-elect Liverpool can currently match the depth City have here. The likes of N'Golo Kante will be vital for shutting down the indomitable former Chelsea man Kevin De Bruyne, while Mateo Kovacic and Mason Mount can arguably match the creative quality of Ilkay Gundogan and Phil Foden.
If Chelsea are to win by wrestling control of the midfield, they will also need to shore up their defence. They won the midfield battle last time out against City but could not keep out their vibrant strike force. Defensive problems have hindered Chelsea this season.
-
Chelsea's undoing
Said defensive problems reared their head again in Chelsea's 2-1 victory over Aston Villa. It has been a familiar tale that the Europa League champions could not finish any of the countless chances they create, before falling behind to a defensive error.
With 40 goals conceded in the league already this season, it might not matter how many Chelsea put away, City will always have the chance to score more unless something changes in the home side's defensive line.
However, where Chelsea have faltered in their ability to fight back, the team's performance against Villa showed previously unseen resolve. Could they have turned a corner?
-
Selection headache
Frank Lampard doesn't just face a conundrum over who to pick, but one over his formation too.
Three at the back was extremely effective in the victories over Tottenham Hotspur this season and it might just help Chelsea plaster over the cracks in their defence for the time being. It is also a system they are well used to after former boss Antonio Conte employed it to success.
Selection too will be a difficult one for Lampard, City meanwhile have looked comfortable rotating their billion pound squad so will be strong whatever team they put out, even without injured striker Sergio Aguero.
A question still remains up top too, Tammy Abraham's pace may be preferred over Olivier Giroud.
Christian Pulisic's game-changing substitute performance against Villa means he is a must start, while Ross Barkley also has a claim in midfield after his strong recent performances.

