5 reasons why Chelsea will beat Manchester City

The biggest game in the Premier League this weekend will see Manchester City and Chelsea lock horns at the Etihad Stadium.

The last time these two clubs met, it was the Cityzens who run out as winners, edging the Blues by one goal thanks to a brilliant strike by Kevin De Brunye.

Though Pep Guardiola’s side is very much the form side in the English topflight, Chelsea has many reasons to feel optimistic going into the encounter. It is just a matter of time before Man City wrap up the title, but Antonio Conte’s side could delay the party on Sunday.

Here are five reasons why Chelsea could beat this much-fancied City side.

#1 The Hazard Factor

Hazard has scored six goals in his last eight games

Eden Hazard has proven on countless times that he is the main man for Chelsea. The Belgian has always been the one to pull the strings when things get tough for the Blues, and that role is likely to continue on Sunday.

Against Man City, Chelsea is certain to see less of the ball, meaning they will be relying on the counter-attack. Willian has put in a good shift in recent weeks, but the Brazilian has often lacked the concentration to carry the team during moments of pressure.

Hazard, though, is no new to this role and will definitely pose a lot of trouble for the Man City defense. Guardiola’s side has been imperious this season, but if there’s one area that has not been that convincing, it’s their defence.

Vincent Kompany and Nicholas Otamendi are not the quickest of defenders and with the pair required to most often join the attack, Hazard is bound to wreak havoc when Chelsea launch their own counter-attack.

The 26-year-old is not just a good goal scorer but also a player who has the vision to spot a colleague in dangerous areas and that could prove too much for the Cityzens.

#2 Conte’s job is on the line

Conte is under huge pressure following Chelsea's poor form

When the Chelsea players step out of the tunnel of the Etihad Stadium, they will do so knowing very well that Conte’s job may depend on the kind of result they record.

The Italian manager has been under fire all season following his team's poor defence of the Premier League title, as well as the sharp decline in form.

Such is the worry around Stamford Bridge that many fear Conte may be axed should he lose against Man City.

Fortunately for the former Juventus boss, unlike in the Jose Mourinho era, most of the Chelsea players hold a strong affection towards him and are ready to fight to dig him out of this hole.

Considering the fact the most of his players do not want Conte sacked, there is bound to be a reaction of sorts when the Blues face the league leaders.

#3 Man City’s poor record against Chelsea

Man City lost both home and away to Chelsea last season

City may have beaten Chelsea in the first round of this season’s Premier League but that was actually their first win in three previous games played between the two sides.

The Cityzens have always found it tough when playing against the Blues and it doesn’t look like the story will be any different on Sunday.

Last season, Conte's men won both home and away en route to claiming the Premier League title, and the records prove the Blues have an upper hand over their rivals.

In 24 previous meetings in the Premier League, Chelsea has won 13, Man City has won just nine and three ending in draws.

The Stamford Bridge side is, therefore, no novice to beating the Sky Blue team and despite not being in the best of form, they will not go down easily without a fight.

#4 Chelsea need top 4 boost

Chelsea lost 2-1 to Man United last week but must win against Man City to keep their top four hopes alive

The race to finish in the top four is gradually reaching its business end and Chelsea must act now or risk playing in the Europa League next season.

Playing against Manchester City at this point in time may not be the ideal fixture, but as it stands there is no turning back.

With Liverpool and Tottenham winning their matches on Saturday, the Blues have no choice than to also record a victory or contend with falling further behind in the top four race.

This is, therefore, bound to motivate the players to give their all in the Man City game.

Chelsea is currently five points behind fourth-placed Tottenham and would definitely be bent on staying within touching distance of Spurs – and that means they will do all they can to avoid defeat against the high-flying Manchester side.

#5 Man City playing after just 72 hours – fatigue to set in

Manchester City have had just two-and-half day rest

Another factor that plays into the hands of Chelsea is that they will be facing City with a fresher team than their opponents. The Blues last played seven days ago, when they lost 2-1 to Manchester United.

However, the league leaders are coming into the game on the back of a trip to North London where they faced Arsenal at the Emirates on Thursday.

That means Pep’s side have had just over 72 hours to prepare for the Chelsea game and that hands the Blues an advantage.

The Man City players are expected to be a bit fatigued, having played three games in the last 10 days, Conte and his men could capitalize on that to get the needed result.