Manchester City vs. Chelsea and Pick to Win
Date:Saturday, September 30th, 2017
Where: English Premier League Stamford Bridge, London, UK
by Keith, Professional Soccer/Football Handicapper, Predictem
Match Odds: Manchester City 6/4, Chelsea 9/5, Draw 27/10
Moneyline: Manchester City +150, Chelsea +180, Draw +270
Over/Under Best Market: UNDER 2.5 11/10 (+110)
Antonio Conte and Pep Guardiola are two of footballs up and coming managers. Both have achieved prolific success wherever they lead. Now, the two will square off for the first time in 2017. Guardiola will play the role of the invader, steering the Powder Blue ship from North West England that is Manchester City. This contest is another account of an age-old rivalry of two cities, pitting London against Manchester. Its the North against the South and a battle for bragging rights between Englands two biggest cities.
The Citizens of Manchester City will be tasked with going to the raucous Stamford Bridge in West London. Man Citys powder blue sits at the top of the standings as they own 16 points in 6 games played. They are tied with that other team from Manchester, the red and black one known as United. Overall, Mancunians have to be delighted that their teams are sitting at the top of the English Premier League standings be that the title resides in London with the defending champs, Chelsea. The form for Manchester City is exceptional. The Blues have won their last six contests and all those investments made in the off-season are evidently paying off.
As we have highlighted previous, some huge acquisitions were made to bolster the defense of City. As mentioned already, the Blues spent 228 million pounds to land Danilo, Mendy, Kyle Walker, and Bernardo Silva. All of these additions have strengthened the back line of Manchester City better than expectation. Over their last six games, City has an insane five clean sheets. This is a team that simply rolls and demolishes whatever is in its path and as the way things stand now, they are the team to beat for the English Premier League crown.
Currently, Chelsea sits in third place on the English Premier League table with 13 points, two points ahead of Tottenham and just three points behind the sitting leaders. The Blues sit at the top among all London-based teams. The defending champions are very much a formidable foe. The Blues are 5-0-1 in their previous six outings. The Blues are known for a reputable home pitch advantage at Stamford Bridge and are looking to re-establish that here with a win against the leagues best team on paper.
Betting markets are very sharp in contests of this caliber so when Chelsea is offered at the price, presented we have to look into it given where the match is taken place. Manchester City on paper is the better team and that in itself is a very affable discussion given the fact there is no juice required next to their name. The Draw is the most inflated price of the three and it is far above the two choices of picking a side. This suggests that this game is not a one-point affair but a three-point contest that will have a huge impact on the table. Situationally, Chelsea is set up perfectly to torpedo the Blues be that the Citizens of Manchester City seem unstoppable at this point. Many headlines brag and boast of their exceptional performances but we saw Manchester City stub its toe last year when it came into Tottenham in similar regard. Expect defense to tow the flow of this contest be that some of the best defenders in the world will be on the pitch for both sides. A single goal may very well be the difference maker in this highly-anticipated blockbuster Premiership match. Therefore, Chelsea at home is the value play here along with the UNDER 2.5 which is offered at above evens. We stand to net 2.90 units if both tickets cash in.
Manchester City Recent Form
W Shakhtar Donetsk 2-0
W Crystal Palace 5-0
W West Bromwich Albion 2-1
W Watford 6-0
W Feyenoord 4-0
Chelsea Recent Form
W Stoke City 4-0
W Nottingham Forest 5-1
D Arsenal 0-0
W Qarabak FK 6-0
W Leicester City 4-2
Keith’s Prediction for the Game: Chelsea 9/5 (+180) and UNDER 2.5 11/10 (+110).
BET YOUR EPL PREDICTIONS USING YOUR CREDIT CARD AND GET A 50% BONUS AT BOVADA SPORTSBOOK