This coming Saturday is the real clash of the titans that the Premier League promised. On matchday 23, Manchester City hosts Chelsea, two teams that have been separated by just two points in the league table. Manchester City comes in with 38 points to make their way into the top four, whereas Chelsea is willing to create some gap to at least remain in those leaders' positions with 40 points. In a match that could redefine the season for both clubs, every detail matters.
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City’s lineup struggles
Pep Guardiola didn’t shy away from emphasizing the importance of this matchup. “Yes, [it’s a] [very] important [game]. The quality of the side, Chelsea has always been there. They’re close on the table, even with the big problems we’ve had in the past, in the recent past,” he stated. For Guardiola, the clash with the Blues is crucial regarding City's ambitions this season: "This week is really important, and the next two games are finals for us. With our people, they'll support us to put in a good performance to get the results we need.".
However, the mission is complicated by a growing list of injuries for Guardiola. Ruben Dias and Jeremy Doku will miss the game, as the manager reiterated: "[We have] the same injuries we had [before]. Ruben and Doku are out. The other players out [still] remain out." On top of that, Nathan Aké and Rodri remain unavailable, while Oscar Bobb continues working to regain full fitness after a long absence.
With all these obstacles, Guardiola must find a way of balancing the need for defensive consistency with exploiting the offensive firepower that has seen the team recently record 8-0 and 6-0 wins over Salford City and Ipswich Town, respectively.
Chelsea's Bounce-back Chase
Chelsea comes into the Etihad, though, trying to find their rhythm again after some lackluster results. And for Enzo Maresca, even while recognizing his team's current difficulties, seemed very much in line: "We'll win games against big teams for sure, but I don't think if we win tomorrow it means we're ready for the title. We'll definitely try to win tomorrow, but it'll be just another game".
The coach also pointed to how important it was to achieve balance within the squad: "I hope in the future we can pick up more points at home; that's the goal. But overall, it's a good sign because it shows where the team is right now in terms of balance."
Now, there is some positive news for the Blues. According to Maresca, the presence of Levi Colwill and Enzo Fernández "might be ready" for the clash. Also, forward Cole Palmer, who was in doubt due to fitness concerns, is confirmed for the match. "He's better. He made an unbelievable effort to play against Wolves, and he's improving," said the coach about the young talent that will have the chance to face his former club at the Etihad.
What to expect from the showdown
Manchester City and Chelsea may show some differences in play, but the connection is that neither of them is near their usual selves. The first problem for Guardiola will be how to fill in for absent key players, how to ensure his team maintains its intensity. Maresca needs to patch up the holes fast, particularly at Chelsea's misfiring attack, to also avoid making such costly mistakes at the back as in the last games.