Manchester City (16-4-3) vs. Chelsea (10-4-10)
Manchester City and Chelsea face off on Saturday in a pivotal EPL matchup. The two sides come in with vastly different recent form, as Manchester City have won five straight while Chelsea have struggled. However, with Chelsea fighting to get back and Manchester City competing for the league title, top sportsbooks expect a competitive affair.
Manchester City, currently enjoying an outstanding season, features an unrivalled offensive lineup led by Julian Alvarez, Phil Foden, and Bernardo Silva – three top scorers who make City’s attack formidable against any defense. Alvarez leads with 8 goals and 6 assists from 23 starts while Foden equals it with equal goals scored and 7 assists. Furthermore, Bernardo Silva adds potency with 6 goals and 4 assists. This trio’s ability to penetrate defenses will prove crucial against Chelsea who have shown vulnerabilities away from home this season.
Chelsea counters Manchester City with their own arsenal of offensive weapons. Cole Palmer – an outstanding midfielder who boasted 10 goals and 6 assists from 16 starts – alongside Raheem Sterling and Enzo Fernandez provided a dynamic edge to Chelsea’s play, as they brought an edge that challenged Manchester City’s defense despite an uneven season. Sterling brought Premier League experience while Fernandez added midfield creativity.
Manchester City vs. Chelsea Game Info
| When: | Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 12:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Etihad Stadium |
| TV: | NBC |
| Stream: | TBA |
Stefan Ortega GK vs. Djordje Petrovic GK
Stefan Ortega has performed admirably between the sticks for Manchester City. In his four league starts, Ortega has conceded just three goals while making five saves. With strong distribution and ball-playing ability, he should swiftly set City’s counterattack in motion when he claims crosses and corners. Ortega has yet to record a clean sheet but could prove the hero if Manchester City’s vulnerable defense continues to allow chances.
For Chelsea, Djordje Petrovic has endured a difficult spell since taking the starting job from Kepa Arrizabalaga. In eight starts, Petrovic has shipped 14 goals for a 1.75 goals against average. He does have two clean sheets to his name but was bombarded in a recent 4-1 loss at Brighton. Against Manchester City’s ruthless attackers, Petrovic must stand firm. Without the injured Erling Haaland, City may opt for a barrage of shots testing Petrovic’s reflexes.
Soccer Odds/Point Spread: Manchester City -250, Total Odds: 2.5
As home favorites, Manchester City are sizable -250 favorites on the moneyline. That implies a 71.4% probability of winning. The -1 spread also indicates the bookmakers’ faith in a multi-goal Manchester City victory. Therefore, backing the Citizens’ moneyline or covering the spread holds appeal. The over 2.5 goals also warrants consideration given both sides’ attacking talent.
Manchester City Betting Trends
Manchester City come into this match in stellar recent form, having won each of their last five games outright. They have also covered the spread in three of their previous five matches. On the road this season, the Citizens are a perfect 4-0 against the spread. Furthermore, four of Manchester City’s last five overall matches have sailed OVER the 2.5 total goals line.
Chelsea Betting Trends
Chelsea have posted a 2-2 record over their last five games, indicating middling form. Against the spread, the Blues have struggled lately, covering just once in their previous five contests. For away fixtures this term, Chelsea own a 4-8 record against the number. That does not bode well facing a strong Manchester City side at the Etihad. While Chelsea’s matches have not been as high-scoring recently, two of their last five games still managed to go OVER 2.5 goals.
Manchester City vs. Chelsea 2/17/24 Betting Picks
Manchester City entered Saturday’s contest in stellar form having won five consecutive EPL matches. With Chelsea struggling on the road this season, Manchester City should extend that streak. Their attacking talent, especially with Álvarez and Foden leading the charge, should prove too much for Chelsea’s vulnerable defense.
As such, backing Manchester City’s moneyline and covering the -1 spread are the preferred plays. The over on 2.5 goals also holds value given both sides’ scoring potential. For those seeking props, Álvarez and Foden boast anytime goalscorer appeal. Additionally, daily EPL picks would be remiss without checking the player shot props.
