Pochettino's homecoming took an unexpected turn as an early deflected goal by Dejan Kulusevski set the stage for a dramatic match. Despite having a numerical advantage due to two red cards and two injuries to key players for Tottenham, Chelsea managed to capitalize on defensive lapses, securing a 4-1 win with goals from Cole Palmer and a hat-trick from Nicolas Jackson.
Chelsea, after a lackluster October with just one point from two London derbies, has started November on a high note with back-to-back wins against Blackburn Rovers and Tottenham. However, the team still finds itself in 10th place, struggling for consistency at Stamford Bridge and failing to score in three of their last four home games.
In contrast, Manchester City has been in impressive form, dominating their recent home games against Bournemouth and Young Boys with an average of a goal every 20 minutes. Pep Guardiola's side comfortably progressed to the Champions League knockout rounds and currently sits at the top of the league, one point ahead of Tottenham.
The upcoming clash carries historical weight, as Chelsea suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City at Stamford Bridge in January, preceding a 4-0 FA Cup loss and a 1-0 defeat at the Etihad in May. Chelsea has struggled to overcome Manchester City since the 2021 Champions League final, with the Citizens securing a sixth successive win without conceding a goal against the Blues.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
After enduring a potentially red card-worthy tackle from Romero on Monday, Enzo Fernandez attempted to play through the pain but had to be substituted just before the hour mark. He was absent from training on Tuesday and Wednesday, but Thursday's practice images at Cobham showed the Argentine, suggesting he should be fit for Sunday's game.Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Wesley Fofana (knee), Ben Chilwell (thigh), Romeo Lavia (ankle), Christopher Nkunku (knee), Trevoh Chalobah (thigh), and Carney Chukwuemeka (knee).
Armando Broja has a chance of recovering from a knee issue and making it to the bench. Reece James, absent from the recent England squad despite his recovery, is expected to feature against the champions. However, there's speculation about his decision to reject the call-up, potentially risking his place in the Euro 2024 squad for his nation.
In a surprising turn of events, both James and his City counterpart John Stones will not be representing England this month. Stones, who suffered a thigh injury against Young Boys, is anticipated to face an extended period on the sidelines, adding to Man City's defensive concerns. Manuel Akanji, who experienced a back problem during the midweek warm-up but has since trained, and Sergio Gomez, the backup left-back recovering from an ankle sprain, are also part of these concerns.
Kevin De Bruyne won't be making a Stamford Bridge homecoming as he continues his recovery from a severe thigh issue. However, another former Chelsea player, Nathan Ake, is likely to be recalled to the backline amidst Stones and Akanji's uncertainties.
POSSIBLE LINE UPS
Chelsea possible starting lineup:Sanchez; James, Disasi, Silva, Colwill; Caicedo, Fernandez; Palmer, Gallagher, Sterling; Jackson
Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Ederson; Dias, Ake, Gvardiol; Walker, Rodri, Kovacic, Doku; Silva, Alvarez; Haaland
EXPERT PREDICTION
Chelsea 1-3 Manchester City
If Postecoglou had chosen to adopt a defensive strategy rather than sticking to his principles on Monday, Chelsea might not have secured three points, and their win would likely have been less convincing even if they had managed to secure a victory under such circumstances.
Pochettino's team is unlikely to create scoring opportunities easily against a full-strength Manchester City side, despite a couple of new defensive challenges for Guardiola to contend with. It's foreseeable that the champions will deliver a strong wake-up call to Chelsea, securing their seventh consecutive victory and maintaining a clean sheet against their counterparts from the capital.
