MANCHESTER CITY VS. CHELSEA- NEWS, ODDS AND PREDICTIONS

In what is probably the most eagerly anticipated clash this weekend, there are no surprises that the weekend action kicks off with Manchester City playing host to a somewhat dejected Chelsea at the City of Manchester Stadium
With both Premier League outfits tasting defeat mid-week to minnow opposition, there will be a lot of emphasis on today’s game to ensure that Premier League contention remains the mainorder of the day.
Carling Cup aside, the Premier League is an entirely different kettle of fish, with Chelsea still slim favourites on the road to win this.
The Blues have been spectacular in the Premiership thus far, harbouring a strike force that many are considering to be their strongest yet.
On the other end, while Arab consortiums might be throwing money at the lesser known Manchester club, results have been somewhat mixed, with many questioning the capabilities of manager Carlo Mancini.
With the last meeting between these two ending in a 2-1 win for City, the Blues will be motivated to ensure that they continue their dominance in the league.
On the team news front, Manchester City are hoping Micah Richards can sufficiently recover from his hamstring injury, with Gareth Barry being named as back up to cover left-back.
For Chelsea, midfielder Frank Lampard is doubtful after reportedly suffering a further setback in his rehabilitation from hernia surgery. The injury woes continue with Yossi Benayoun, Gael Kakuta and Salomon Kalou all suffering injuries mid-week and are unlikely to feature.
Despite hosting, Manchester City are still heading into this clash as underdogs with William Hill setting them at 5/2, against Chelsea’s 11/10
Despite City not quite looking like champion material, the club has recorded three wins, a draw and a loss from its past five matches, as well as an unbeaten home record
However, Chelsea is the clearly the league’s form club boasting five wins from five matches.
Where the real exciting prospect comes to light is in the knowledge that Chelsea’s strikers have scored 19 goals in the past five matches
The bookies are somewhat against this stat, putting a 1-0 win in favour of Chelsea at 7/1, with a 9/1 on the same scenario in favour of City.
A 3-1 win in favour of the Blues will see great returns at 16/1, with a 2-1 win at 8/1
With the current form displayed by Chelsea's starting XI, it would be foolish to bet against them this afternoon.
This team simply oozes class in both attack, as well as defence, with City having shown none of the attacking flair that they are very capable of up until now
Betting Prediction and Tip: Chelsea to win 3-1 at 16/1