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Premier League

Go for goals as Chelsea host Manchester City

Star-studded attacks can hit target

The lively Alvaro Morata could be ready to make his mark
The lively Alvaro Morata could be ready to make his markCredit: Richard Heathcote

Premier League
BT Sport 1, 5.30pm Saturday

Sergio Aguero's car crash may well have put the skids on his bid to win the Premier League Golden Boot but his Manchester City side can still play their part in a heavyweight clash against Chelsea.

The betting for this Stamford Bridge battle has been turned on its head since news of Aguero's rib injury caused by an accident in Amsterdam became public knowledge. Chelsea have been propelled from underdogs to favourites, while over 2.5 goals has also drifted.

Aguero is a great striker, arguably the best in the league, but City are still blessed in the attacking department and both price changes may have gone too far. Preference is for a bet on three or more goals.

That takes away any potential problems for City in the defensive area which is far more concerning than Gabriel Jesus having to lead the line for the visitors.

Pep Guardiola rarely takes a backwards step so expect Jesus to be flanked by exciting wingers Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling, who have both been among the goals, while in midfield Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva can unlock any defence.

City have scored at least two goals in eight of their nine matches this season with the exception being a 1-1 draw with Everton when Kyle Walker was sent off in the first half.

Chelsea have also scored at least twice in eight of their nine games and will be boosted by Aguero's injury.

However, it is worth bearing in mind that City started 19 games without Aguero last season with 14 wins, two draws and three defeats. The only league loss came in a 4-2 reverse at Leicester.


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Alvaro Morata, fresh from his hat-trick at Stoke on his last Premier League outing, has hit the ground running with six goals already and the return of Eden Hazard is a major fillip.

Hazard was majestic in his 82-minute performance on Wednesday as Chelsea came from behind to beat Atletico 2-1 in Madrid, a game that may well have taken plenty out of Antonio Conte's squad, who have had one day less to prepare than City.

The suspended David Luiz is a big loss to the Chelsea back three even though he was at fault for Atletico's penalty in midweek. And despite being known as a well-organised side, the Blues have tended to be involved in goal-fests against the big boys at the Bridge.

There were over 2.5 goals in 17 of their 19 home games last season, including against all of the top nine, with Manchester United the only top-six team not to score at Chelsea last season.

Arsenal have since played out a goalless stalemate in west London but it's worth betting on normal service being resumed.

Recommendation
Over 2.5 goals
1pt 13-16 188Bet

Bet on this game at Soccerbase.com

Team news
Chelsea
David Luiz is suspended and Danny Drinkwater is injured.

Manchester City
Sergio Aguero misses out after sustaining a rib injury. Vincent Kompany and Benjamin Mendy are also crocked.

Key stat
The last five meetings between the teams have all produced at least three goals.


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Mark LangdonRacing Post Sport

Published on 29 September 2017inPremier League

Last updated 20:07, 29 September 2017

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