Prediction and odds for the game: Chelsea (3/1) v Manchester City (4/5)
We are backing the away win
When: Thursday, 25th June 2020, Kick-off 20:15
Where: Stamford Bridge
On Thursday night, Chelsea host Manchester City at Stamford Bridge, in a game that could be vital to the home team’s chances of earning a spot in next season’s Champions League.
Chelsea
Frank Lampard’s team look to be a good position when it comes to qualifying for the Champions League. The Blues are five points clear of fifth and sixth-place Manchester United and Wolves respectively. A 2-1 win at struggling Aston Villa last time out certainly did their chances of a top-four finish no harm.
The victory over Villa continued a recent good run of form for the Blues in the Premier League, as they are undefeated in four league outings, claiming three wins and a draw. The home side has also been potent in the English top-flight of late, finding the net at least twice in six of their last seven league outings.
Their recent home form in the top-flight has been slightly patchy. However, the Blues have recorded three victories from their last five league matches on home soil.
Chelsea have a poor recent record against Manchester City, winning just one of the last six meetings in all competitions while suffering four defeats. They will certainly be keen to improve that record on Thursday night.
Manchester City
Although Manchester City are 20 points behind league leaders Liverpool, Pep Guardiola’s team seem determined to finish the season in style. Since the restart, they have hammered Arsenal 3-0 and demolished Burnley 5-0 in their last league outing. Both the games were at the Etihad Stadium, where they are strong. However, with all games played behind closed doors, home advantage means very little now.
City have been in good form before and after the restart, winning seven of their previous eight games in all competitions. They have also claimed victories in four of their last five Premier League matches.
While City are renowned for their attacking play, it has been at the other end of the pitch they have thrived of late, conceding just two goals in their last five league matches.
The Citizens could not have had a more inconsistent run of form away from home of late, as they have claimed victory in three and suffered defeat in three of their last six matches on their travels in the Premier League.
Conclusion
Chelsea will be confident that they can pick something up from this game judging by City’s inconsistent recent away record. However, City have returned after the restart in the sort of form that saw them win back-to-back Premier League titles. We are backing the away win. We are also backing over 2.5 goals in this game, as both teams have been prolific of late in the top-flight.
Verdict: We are backing the away win at odds of 4/5 and/or over 2.5 goals scored at odds of 4/6. (All odds are taken from Bet365)
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