An interesting week of European Football culminates in the return of the Premier League this weekend, following last weekend’s FA Cup 5th Round ties. And while those at Capital One would like to believe that Swansea Bradford City is the showpiece event on offer on Sunday afternoon, we at Newstalk Sport would beg to differ.
I’ve been assigned to the Ethiad for the 4th time this season as Manchester City host Chelsea. Kevin Kilbane is alongside me at Eastlands. Kevin was at the Ethiad for Newstalk on that dramatic final day of last season when Sergio Aguero’s late title winning goal was captured brilliantly on air as Ger Gilroy crossed over to him amid the pandemonium.
9 months on and City can only dream about being in a position whereby the title is up for grabs. A series of below par performances have seen the champions slide 12 points off the pace, and suddenly looking over their shoulder at a Chelsea team that have overcome some wobbles of their own.
With just one defeat in their last 11 games, Chelsea can move to within a single point of the holders with a win on Sunday. I was at the Ethiad earlier this month as Liverpool out-played City for large swathes of the game, and in truth the hosts were very lucky to emerge with a 2-2 draw. Top players like Sergio Aguero, David Silva, Samir Nasri and Carlos Tevez have not reproduced their form of last season. That, combined with the absence of Vincent Kompany at the back in recent weeks has transformed City from a side that were resolute yet deadly, to a team that looks rather vulnerable, as Southampton proved 2 weeks ago.
On that basis I would be inclined to lean towards Chelsea this weekend. That is despite their midweek exertions at home to Sparta Prague when a late Edin Hazard goal spared them the torment of extra-time. With success in two cup competitions still a possibility, a second placed finish in the Premier League would represent significant success for Rafa Benitez in his role as interim manager. Chelsea have several players in top form with Lampard, Mata, Hazard and Ba all showing well right now. It will be interesting to see whether the misfiring Fernando Torres continues to start ahead of Ba on Sunday.
The Ethiad Stadium is always an enjoyable commentary experience. It’s just a few minutes away from the city centre, the food and particularly the variety of desserts on offer is nothing short of spectacular, and the commentary position is excellent. Plenty of space, and most importantly, Eastlands is the only ground in the Premier League where a pie is delivered to your desk by the staff at half-time.
All in all, a very interesting and likely gluttonous afternoon is in store. As always you can contact me during the game on Twitter, @davemcintyrent, for any abuse, queries or questions you might have, Kevin can also be found on Twitter, @kdkilbane77.
Verdict: Manchester City 1-2 Chelsea
