BBC pundit Chris Sutton predicts City to beat Chelsea in Premier League clash
Ahead of Chelsea’s big Premier League clash against leaders Manchester City on Sunday, BBC pundit Chris Sutton has made a bold prediction that City will emerge victorious against Chelsea by two goals.
Speaking on BBC Sport’s weekly predictions feature, Sutton assessed that Chelsea were wasteful in their thrilling 4-1 win over Tottenham on Monday despite Spurs being reduced to nine men.
And he believes Chelsea’s lack of ruthlessness will come back to haunt them against the ruthless champions City at Stamford Bridge this weekend.
‘I thought Chelsea were wasteful against Spurs’ nine men. Everyone is talking about how their xG [expected goals] is really good, but they will need to take their opportunities to have any chance against City.’
Based on that analysis, the former striker forecasts that free-scoring City will capitalize on any Chelsea profligacy in front of goal and manage to win the contest by a 2-0 scoreline.
It’s a worrying verdict for Chelsea fans ahead of this blockbuster clash. While City have been typically dominant, scoring 28 times in 11 matches this season, Chelsea have have struggled regularly in the final third.
But Sutton believes Chelsea must be far more clinical to avoid defeat on Sunday. If chances are missed like in the 9-man Spurs game, City will ruthlessly make them pay.
Chelsea had dominated the Spurs clash boasting superior possession(62%) and passes number. They took 17 shots toward the opponent’s goal, only 8 of which were on target.
Chelsea supporters will hope Sutton’s prediction is misguided. But his assessment highlights that Chelsea must take any opportunities that come their way against the Premier League’s supreme team or risk seeing City increase their lead at the top.
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