Premier League: Manchester City v Chelsea

By dixon9
March 15 2007

3 points. 3 points. 3 points. If we are to maintain meaningful pressure on Manchester United we MUST get 3 points out of tonight’s match. I honestly don’t think it’ll be long before the Mancs will begin to falter and we can’t afford to give them the same cushion for when they do.

Let’s hope that the current run of 7 hours and 12 minutes without conceding a league goal continues.

 

Of course, we aren’t the only ones under pressure.  Stuart Pearce has come under intense scrutiny from the media with regard to his position at the original Manchester club despite assurances from the board that his job is safe.  Manchester City have lost their last 4 games on the trot and a loss tomorrow will only accentuate press speculation further and just as importantly, bring “Citeh” closer to the dreaded relegation zone. 

 

The psychological state of Pearce’s team could have a lot of influence on tonight’s result – are they feeling down and out or will they fight to the death to help ensure premiership safety?  As for the City supporters, I understand there are many who actually don’t want their team to “do a favour” for their most hated rivals.  Still, the Chelsea players can’t think too much about Manchester City’s internal problems and certainly not take anything for granted  - doing well to remember that City were first team to take 3 points off of us under Jose Mourinho.

 

The good news for us is that a John Terry return looks likely and although he probably won’t be 100% sharp, his inclusion in the Chelsea rearguard will go a long way to ensuring a balanced team.  Essien will be free from his uncomfortable role as a centre-half to do what he does so well – powering forward with the ball in midfield.

 

Shevchenko has picked up a knock in training so at most he’ll be on the bench tomorrow whilst Wayne Bridge is out as he has to undergo an operation which will put him out of the side for at least 3 weeks (fingers crossed Ashley Cole doesn’t get injured tomorrow).  Boulahrouz?  I’ve heard that he is still not properly recovered from injury even though he came on as a substitute against Spurs on Sunday.  Joe Cole is obviously still out although optimistic of a return in time for the Champion’s League match against Valencia.

 

“Citeh” are relatively unscathed in terms of the treatment table with striker Corradi likely to be replaced by our old friend, Paul Dicov.

 

Man City (from): Weaver, Richards, Dunne, Distin, Ball, Trabelsi, Barton, Ireland, Beasley, Samaras, Corradi, Isaksson, Jihai, Dabo, Vassell, Hamann, Dickov, Sturridge, Mpenza, Miller.

Chelsea (from): Cech, Cudicini, Hilario, Ferreira, Geremi, Diarra, Carvalho, Essien, Terry, Bridge, A Cole, Lampard, Makelele, Ballack, Drogba, Shevchenko, Kalou, Wright-Phillips, Boulahrouz.

 

I reckon the team will be a 4-4-2 line up:  Cech, Diarra, Carvalho, Terry, Cole, Essien, Lampard, Ballack, Robben, Drogba and Kalou.

 

Sheva on the bench but to come on after say 65 mins.  Score? 0-3.  Essien, Cole (yes! Cole!) and Shevchenko.