Chelsea v Manchester City: Statistical Preview

In the last two weeks, Arsenal and Middlesbrough have dined on the juicy flesh of Manchester City's soft underbelly.



Now, a sizable Yaya Touré-shaped hole gapes at the heart of Manuel Pellegrini's midfield - a void that has been rendered even more transparent by the poor form of Fernando. 

The 27-year-old, brought in from FC Porto to strengthen City's midfield last summer, has failed to offer the solidity he was famed for in Portugal. The Brazilian has won just 37% of his duels this season, lower than any other City midfielder, and has been successful with only 24 of his 67 attempted tackles. 


(Image via @Squawka)

It's no wonder the £12m signing is looking to Chelsea's Nemanja Matić for guidance. The Serbian's influence is often overshadowed by the respective creative feats of Cesc Fabregas, Eden Hazard and Diego Costa, but Matić is the unflappable behemoth in Chelsea's engine room that makes them such a difficult team to break down. 

Fernando and Matić were once rivals in Portugal, but the latter possesses the game-controlling qualities that the former lacks. Abrasiveness and uncertainty characterise the ex-Dragão, whilst composure and efficiency define the former Aguia.

"I played against Matic in Portugal several times and he is a really great player. He has so much quality," Fernando told Goal.com.


(Image via @WhoScored)

"There are not many players like him left now, I think, but he is one I try to look at and learn from as I try to improve the way I play that role. He has become incredibly important to Chelsea. I always try to watch these players."

Manchester City fans will be hoping the Brazilian impresses his idol on Saturday afternoon, but Frank Lampard could be handed a start against his former side for an extra dimension going forward.


(Lampard famously earned City a draw against his former club in September - image via @MCFC)

If Chelsea do manage to shield the Premier League title from Manchester for the first time since 2010, the sky blues may have their poor crossing to blame. Jesus Navas registered a total of 17 failed crosses in his side's 2-0 defeat to Arsenal 11 days ago and his struggles continued in City's FA Cup loss to Middlesbrough last weekend. However, Manuel Pellegrini is likely to persevere with the Spaniard tomorrow afternoon for his qualities on the counter attack. 

José Mourinho could be without Diego Costa (suspension) and Cesc Fabregas (hamstring) in what would undoubtedly provide a confidence boost to an out-of-form Manchester City. The pair have been involved in 35% of Chelsea's goals this term and City's shaky defence that has conceded 11 goals in the last seven fixtures will be hoping for some relief.

Without two of his main goal threats, Mourinho could employ the backs-to-the-wall tactics that received so much criticism last season - but it would be a smart move from a manager whose side sit five points ahead at the top of the Premier League table.

I'm going for a 1-0 Chelsea win.

(A comparison of Chelsea and Manchester City in the Premier League this season - image via @Squawka)

• Chelsea (51) and City (45) are the league's top scorers
• Only Southampton (16) have conceded fewer goals than Chelsea (19)
• City (22) have the fourth best defensive record in the league
• City (310) have created more chances than any other side in the division

Potential line-ups

Chelsea

• Diego Costa is awaiting the results of his appeal and could be replaced by Loic Remy
• Cesc Fabregas will face a late fitness test despite training this week
• Eden Hazard could be Mourinho's main goal threat

Manchester City

• Frank Lampard's eye for goal may be preferred over the out-of-form Fernando
• James Milner's defensive qualities could be vital on the left flank
• Jesus Navas must improve his final ball if City are to clinch an important result

Manchester City 0 - 2 Arsenal: Fernando fails to fill Touré void

It was a performance that would have delighted José Mourinho.



Manchester City collapsed to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Arsenal on Sunday in arguably their most repugnant display of the season. The Blues now sit five points behind league leaders Chelsea and have conceded more goals than Manchester United's much-criticised defence.

Arsenal shuffled into Eastlands having not won on a reigning Premier League champion's ground since May 2002. Nervous showings at the Etihad, Stamford Bridge and Anfield last term earned Arsène Wenger's side the title of the league's 'big away day bottlers', but unusually astute tactics from the Frenchman earned the Gunners a superb victory against Manuel Pellegrini's men this weekend.

Yaya Touré's trip to the African Cup of Nations saw Fernandinho and Fernando line up together in the heart of City's midfield, but the Brazilian duo failed to offer the drive and solidity of their Ivorian teammate. Constantly hounding and harrassing, a trio of Aaron Ramsey, Francis Coquelin and Santi Cazorla forced City's vulnerable midfield into an unacceptable number of mistakes and onto the back foot from the off. 

Fernando, who was caught napping for Arsenal's second goal, has failed to reassure Manchester City fans of his value since moving from FC Porto in the summer and his abrasive tackling style often presents opponents with space to surge into. The 27-year-old has created just 8 chances this season, less than any other City midfielder, and surely cannot be legitimately regarded as an able replacement for Touré this month.

Vincent Kompany and Sergio Agüero were welcomed back into the side after respective injury lay-offs, but failed to influence the tie in any positive way. Kompany's rustiness was exploited after just 24 minutes when he obstructed Nacho Monreal inside the penalty area and Agüero's ability to wrestle back the game was hindered by David Silva's anonymity.

City's ponderous display was largely affected by Arsenal's monitoring of the illustrious Spaniard. 23-year old Coquelin was tasked with cutting off supply to the game's most authoritative player and the Frenchman did an immaculate job.

With the hosts lacking options, Jesus Navas' pace became City's main outlet. The former-Sevilla winger has been impressive for the champions this season, creating more chances (46) than any other player in the team, but his distribution into the box is too often lacking. The 18 failed crosses he registered summed up a disappointing performance. 

The Blues certainly missed the neat interchanging play David Silva, Samir Nasri and Yaya Touré consistently treat the Etihad Stadium. Arsenal successfully cut off the supply to City's game-changing players and exploited the incredible amount of space available in the heart of the midfield. 

With a daunting trip to the home of table-toppers Chelsea in 13 days time, Manuel Pellegrini must show why he has been voted the Barclay's Manager of the Month for January and assemble his side back into the title race. 

Manchester City v Arsenal: Statistical Preview

Manuel Pellegrini described Alexis Sánchez as the league's best player in his press conference this week.

An attempt to fire up his own players? Possibly. Sergio Agüero and David Silva could rekindle their lethal partnership against the Gunners this weekend after the Argentine returned from injury to offer 20 minutes of his services in a 1-1 draw against Everton seven days ago. Agüero may have played 501 minutes less than Sánchez this season, but he has still managed two more goals and 15 more shots than the Chilean.


(A comparison of Sergio Agüero and Alexis Sánchez in the Premier League this season - image via @TeleFootball)

But could the resurgence of that deadly double act be proved futile without the presence of Yaya Touré just behind them in the heart of the midfield? City have not won in the league without the 31-year-old since last April and with a challenging run of fixtures awaiting the champions, could Touré's trip to the African Cup of Nations damage the club's title credentials?

Arsène Wenger's preparation for Sunday's fixture has also been bruised. Mikel Arteta was ruled out for three months with an ankle injury this week and his composure on the ball has been vital to Arsenal's average possession rate of 55% this season. Arteta boasts a pass accuracy rate of 94%, higher than any other Arsenal player, and his absence could affect his side's rhythm this weekend. 

(Mikel Arteta has been ruled out for three months after undergoing ankle surgery)

Wenger will also be without new signings Mathieu Debuchy and Danny Welbeck. The latter, signed from Manchester United for a fee of £16m in the summer, has contributed just 11% of Arsenal's 37 league goals this term and instead of criticising his rival's capture of Wilfried Bony in a recent press conference, maybe the Frenchman should have taken advantage of his club's financial situation and lodged a bid for the prolific goalscorer himself. 

Arsenal have not been victorious at the Etihad Stadium since 2010 and their last trip to Eastlands ended in embarrassment. The Gunners maintained their appalling away record against the top four in a crippling 6-3 defeat that saw Sergio Agüero, Álvaro Negredo, Fernandinho (2), David Silva and Yaya Touré fire past Wojciech Szczęsny to record one of the most enteraining games in Premier League history.

(City ran out 6-3 winners at the Etihad Stadium last term)

Goals could be on the menu yet again this Sunday with both sides boasting fearsome goal tallies so far this season. Behind Chelsea, City (45) and Arsenal (37) top the scoring charts. Creativity has also been a characteristic present in both side's play with the two sides rocking up 564 chances between them. This one definitely has the potential to be a thriller.

(A comparison of Manchester City and Arsenal in the Premier League this season - image via @Squawka)

Potential line-ups

Manchester City

• Agüero and Kompany set to return
• Samir Nasri ruled out for three weeks to a month
• James Milner could fill his role in the midfield

Arsenal

• 19-year-old Héctor Bellerín could replace the injured Debuchy at right back
• Giroud set to fill lone role up front in the absence of Welbeck
• Aaron Ramsey made the bench last week but may not be risked

Form Guide

Manchester City

WWDWD

Arsenal

DWWLD

Prediction

Manchester City 2 - 1 Arsenal

Everton v Manchester City: Flicking the bogey, Touré's absence & the future of James Milner

Everton have long been labeled as Manchester City's 'bogey' team. 



However, the Blues have gone some way to polishing their lousy record against the Merseyside club in the last two seasons and have claimed victory in the last three meetings between the two teams.

The bogey is still yet to be flicked, but it is resting on the tip of Manuel Pellegrini's finger.

Before last term, City failed to take a single point from Goodison Park in four attempts. A possible reason for the misery on Merseyside? I'm sorry to say again it's Moysey - he certainly knew how to tame us. 

But Roberto Martínez hasn't been able to uphold Everton's terrific record against Manchester City. Since replacing Moyes as manager of the Toffees, the Spaniard is yet to claim a point against the current league champions and although his position is believed to be secure, the former Wigan Athletic gaffer will be desperate to end a winless run of five games in all competitions on Saturday afternoon. 


(Martínez's side sit 13th in the table after a disappointing start to the campaign)

Manuel Pellegrini welcomes Vincent Kompany, Edin Džeko and top scorer Sergio Agüero back into the squad after respective injury lay-offs. City have gone 13 games unbeaten in all competitions since suffering a 2-1 defeat at home to CSKA Moscow in November and have coped well without a recognised striker in their last five fixtures. However, the return of Džeko and Agüero is likely to render Pellegrini's side even more of a formidable opponent for the Toffees. 

City will miss Yaya Touré, though, who has made significant strides towards his best form in the last two months. The Ivorian boasts the highest amount of successful passes (1,395) in the league so far this season and has contributed seven goals to his side's campaign. Touré is not only a goal threat, but also a crucial metronome in City's midfield.

The 31-year-old will join Swansea City striker Wilfried Bony in Equatorial Guinea for the African Cup of Nations and all eyes will be on the partnership that could be firing for the Blues in mid-February. City have launched a bid believed to be in the region of £25m for the striker who scored more goals than any other Premier League player in 2014 (20) and a deal is expected to be announced in the coming days.


(Bony is expected to join Manchester City in a £30m deal this month)

James Milner's future at the club remains less certain, however. This week, both the Daily Mail and the Times have commented on the midfielder's situation, with the latter reporting that Milner does not expect to be at the club in June. Manuel Pellegrini has insisted that the club wish to keep hold of the 29-year-old and fans will be hoping the England international puts pen to paper as soon as possible. 

City are in great form and could start with a genuine striker on Saturday, but Everton are absolutely desperate for a result. I'll go with a narrow 2-1 win for the Blues. 

How City could line up


Joe Hart is expected to return between the sticks after two games on the bench. The Englishman was rested, rather than dropped, as Willy Caballero occupied the role in victories over Sunderland and Sheffield Wednesday.

Another poor performance from Aleksandar Kolarov last weekend has cemented Gaël Clichy's title as City's choice left-back among fans. The Serbian became embroiled in yet another spat with his own supporters in the 2-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday and is likely to make way for his French teammate who has been one of the Blues' key players this term.

Vincent Kompany has made the squad but is unlikely to be risked. Martin Demichelis and Eliaquim Mangala have formed a stable partnership in recent weeks with the Argentine's experience proving to have a calming effect on the former FC Porto player. Mangala is a naturally impulsive defender, but he has adopted a steadier approach alongside the 34-year-old.

Brazilian duo Fernandinho and Fernando are likely to accompany one another in the centre of midfield with Yaya Touré absent. They will form a base for David Silva who will be given the freedom to roam in the hole just behind the striker. 

Picking a lone striker could be a problem for Manuel Pellegrini. Edin Džeko and Sergio Agüero are unlikely to be fit enough to start and Stevan Jovetić was unable to impress against Sheffield Wednesday, but James Milner did manage to save City's blushes with two goals. He may not be a recognised striker, but he could be Pellegrini's first choice in the forward role this weekend. 

(Sign that contract, Jimmy!)

Manchester City 3 - 2 Sunderland: The return of the attack means City are back

Manchester City secured a league double over Sunderland on New Year's Day - something they haven't achieved since 2008. 



But it was a less than encouraging way to start 2015. The Premier League champions came dangerously close to surrendering a 2-0 lead for the second time in four days when former Blue duo Jack Rodwell and Adam Johnson cancelled out excellent strikes from Yaya Touré and Stevan Jovetić mid-way through the second half. 

City had collapsed from the same position against Burnley in their final fixture of 2014, but Frank Lampard was on hand to rescue Manuel Pellegrini from embarrassment with an excellent header 17 minutes from time. The legendary midfielder, whose goal took his Premier League tally to 176, outraged fans of New York City FC by extending his loan spell with City to the end of the season; but his performance on Thursday illustrated just how important that decision was. 

The Blues now sit level with Chelsea at the top of the Premier League table after José Mourinho's men fell to an extraordinary 5-3 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday night.  

Extending Lampard's stay was a necessity.


Fans of New York City may be outraged, but why should Manchester City care?

Frank Lampard's summer decision to join Manchester City on loan surprised many. After all, the 36-year-old is an acclaimed figure at a club that are tussling with City for major honours and the midfielder once claimed that he would never play against his former suitors.

But his winning mentality and hunger for achievement has prevented him from keeping that promise. Lampard has now scored 5 important goals in 15 appearances for his new club and his influence from the bench has been crucial thus far this season.

Lampard offers experience, professionalism and above all, a potent goal threat. When City are in need of goals, the Englishman answers, and the club cannot feel guilty about extending his stay in such an unforgiving industry.

Gaël Clichy's form must be commended.

In November, I was calling for the Frenchman's head - and I don't think I was alone.

The once reliable full-back was submerged in a woeful run of form that began to compromise the solidity of Pellegrini's back four. He was probably the weakest member of the team at the time and it became clear that City needed to invest in a new left-back.

A man-of-the-match performance against Manchester United offered encouragement to City chiefs and the 29-year-old began to showcase the qualities that had helped him become one of the league's most reliable defenders in the last five years. 

Clichy has been able to maintain that impressive form and has improved significantly in an attacking sense this season. Aleksandar Kolarov has often been praised for his abilities going forward, but cannot offer the same value in a defensive sense and has fallen behind his French teammate in the pecking order at the club despite establishing himself under Pellegrini last term.

Clichy has created 14 chances this season, only Pablo Zabaleta (15) has created more from defence, and his two assists on Thursday conveyed his importance in the final third once again. 

The return of attack.

Yaya Touré and Stevan Jovetić returned to the side on Thursday and the team looked better for it. 

Against Burnley, City lacked penetration and could only manage 17 shots with James Milner struggling up top. With two of their major attacking threats back in the side, Pellegrini's men managed nearly double that tally (32) and only had former teammate Costel Pantillimon to blame for the poor success rate. 

Touré is a master from the edge of the box and possesses a fearsome strike that often makes the breakthrough for the side, and Jovetić's movement is often a nightmare for defenders. 

City have proven they can cope without strikers, but it shouldn't be in our plans to continue with that system in the near future.