“That’s what I think will happen” – Chris Sutton predicts emphatic scoreline for Manchester City vs Chelsea
BBC pundit Chris Sutton has predicted Manchester City to beat Chelsea convincingly when the two teams clash on Sunday, May 21.
Man City welcome Chelsea to the Etihad Stadium knowing that a victory will see them crowned champions of the Premier League for a third successive season.
Frank Lampard's side have already lost to Man City thrice this season, including a 1-0 league defeat at Stamford Bridge in January. Former Chelsea and England player Sutton expects the West London team to face a fourth defeat to the same opposition this weekend.
Previewing the match in his BBC column, he said:
"City could be crowned champions on Saturday if Arsenal lose at Forest but they are going to want to go out and smash Chelsea regardless of whether they need to win this game to seal a hat-trick of titles. That's what I think will happen, too."
He added:
"From what I have seen of Chelsea, they don't have an identity, or much of a plan. They have got some very good individual players but they are not a team and there are times when they look like a mess."
Sutton is expecting Pep Guardiola to make a few changes following Man City's mid-week match against Real Madrid. He said:
"City will make some changes and bring in people like Phil Foden, Riyad Mahrez and Julian Alvarez, but they will still win easily."
The 50-year-old also praised the Cityzens for how they embarrassed Real Madrid 4-0 in the UEFA Champions League semifinal second leg. He opined:
"I was at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday and Manchester City's performance levels against Real Madrid were just amazing. I was expecting City to dominate the ball and territory but I thought Madrid would carry a threat at times, and they really didn't."
Manchester City vs Chelsea: Looking at both sides' form and team news ahead of their Premier League clash
Defender Nathan Ake is Manchester City's only injury concern. He has missed the last three games with a hamstring injury and is considered a doubt for this weekend's match.
The Cityzens have won their last five Premier League matches. They have won four times and drawn once (1-1 vs Real Madrid in Spain) in their past five encounters across competitions.
Chelsea, on the other hand, are dealing with a big injury crisis. Reece James, Ben Chilwell, Marc Cucurella, Mason Mount, N'Golo Kante, and Armando Broja are all ruled out with injuries, while Kalidou Koulibaly and Mateo Kovacic are both considered doubtful.
The Blues are on a dismal run of form. Having been knocked out of all competitions, they are currently in action only in the league. They have lost four, drawn once, and picked up one win in their last six league matches.