Chelsea put in arguably one of their most encouraging performances under Graham Potter thus far on Thursday at home to Man City, and they’ll have a second bite at the cherry when the take on Guardiola’s men in the FA Cup on Sunday. Youthful exuberance put a smile on the faces of fans at Stamford Bridge, with Chukwuemeka, Hall, and Hutchinson, all getting serious minutes against one of the best sides in the World. Expect some of those players to play again against a much changed City XI on Sunday. Guardiola will be hoping for a much easier time for his side, but Potter’s youth will work hard to give the reigning Premier League Champions a run for their money once more.
You can find my value selections, as well as a stats pack, below for what should be an exciting, and open, affair.
Kai Havertz 1+ shots on target: 1.83 (5/6)
Chelsea have been sorely lacking in forward areas this season, but youthful exuberance and bravery proved the key to arguably the best performance to date under Graham Potter. They ran City close and had chances themselves, with Kai Havertz hitting the target.
With forward injuries aplenty, Havertz should once again get the nod here, and is Chelsea’s best bet for a shot on target. The German has managed 1.01 shots on target P/90 this season from 2.11 shots P/90. If the youngsters put similar levels of pressure on an altered City XI on Sunday, then Havertz will have chances to work the City keeper.
Under 4 cards: 2.10 (11/10)
The numbers suggest that cards were never necessarily going to be forthcoming on Thursday night. Whilst Chelsea themselves receive a fair few, they only draw 1.35 cards P/90. Given that City only pick up 1.06 cards P/90 themselves, the burden for a cards selection falls almost entirely on Chelsea’s shoulders.
Under 4 cards has landed in 9 of City’s Premier League outings, but against a Chelsea team that lacks pace and drive, it could well happen again. Chelsea themselves have picked up 2 or less cards on 10 occasions, and have failed to draw more than one card out of their opponents in 10 games as well. If lacking that drive and trickery going forward once again, then cards are likely to be limited, with referee Robert Jones only dishing out 3.34 per game.
Kevin De Bruyne 1+ shots on Target: 1.57 (4/7)
Man City’s talismanic midfielder, and captain, Kevin De Bruyne has proven time and time again to be a thorn in Chelsea’s side. He’s mustered 2 shots on target in each of his last 2 appearances against the Blues, and will likely be the driving force behind any success for City on Sunday.
The Belgian is averaging 1.03 shots on target P/90 this season from 2.89 shots, and is a likely source for efforts on goal against Chelsea. Potter’s men are conceding 4.35 shots on target P/90, and there’s a good chance more will come at the Etihad.
Check out the Bet Builder Stats Pack below if you want to add to this, or put something together yourself.
__________
Manchester City vs Chelsea Bet Builder Stats Pack
Predicted Lineups
Team Stats
Player shots and shots on target
Player Goals and Assists
Player Passes
Manchester City Cards
Chelsea Cards
