Chelsea travel to the Etihad to face Manchester City in the marquee game of this Premier League weekend.
The Blues have struggled for consistency this season, but a win against the defending champions would be a massive statement of intent.
Here are three reasons why Chelsea must defeat Manchester City
1. Psychological Boost
Chelsea’s recent record against Manchester City has been dismal, with the Blues failing to win any of their last ten fixtures against the Citizens (W8, D2).
A win on Saturday would not only give Chelsea three crucial points but also eliminate their psychological inferiority to Manchester City.
It’s an opportunity for the Blues to prove they can compete with and defeat the best teams in the league, after failing to beat Arsenal and Liverpool.
2. Top-Four Ambitions
Both teams are desperate for a win to maintain their top-four charge, but Chelsea perhaps need it more.
A defeat at the Etihad would see them leapfrogged by their hosts, making it even harder for them to break into the top four.
A win, on the other hand, would consolidate Chelsea’s place in the top four and deliver a crushing blow to a potential rival.
3. Statement of Intent
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea team has been accused of having a soft underbelly, and this is an opportunity for them to prove their doubters wrong. Defeating Manchester City, and former boss Pep Guardiola, would be a massive statement of intent from the Blues. It would show that they mean business and are not afraid to take on all comers.
The likes of Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, and Pedro Neto must take their chances when they come as City have shown they are not the same team from two years ago.
