Chelsea are in the running for a top-four place this season, after falling behind Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur in the title race.
Despite starting the campaign brilliantly, the Blues have fallen off in the race to snatch a division title following defeats to Tottenham, Bournemouth, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Arsenal, and Leicester City. Five more draws in 25 games have reduced Chelsea to fourth in the standings and their ambition to play in the Champions League next season will take a big hit should they fail to pick all three points at the Etihad Stadium.
The game means so much to both sides in current circumstances. Man City must win to firm up their status as the number one club in England and keep Liverpool in second place while Chelsea need the three points to stay clear of the troubles of Arsenal and Manchester United.
The latter particularly have been on an upward surge in recent times. They are unbeaten in eight games in the league and are the biggest threat to Chelsea’s top four chances.
