Manchester City have really struggled to maintain control in games this season, this is largely due to the absence of Rodri who allowed Pep Guardiola’s side to sustain pressure and suffocate the opposition with limited transition and a barrage of attacks. Kovacic and Gundogan are quality players but neither fit the profile Pep Guardiola wants from his holding midfielder which has left Manchester City vulnerable to transition.

Manchester City have rotated their keeper at times this season but both Ederson and Ortega have had to bail out their defence which isn’t offering as much protection as it used to. Manchester City’s goalkeeper has been forced into making 3+ saves in each of their last 6 Premier League games.

More worryingly for Pep Guardiola will be the caliber of opposition they’re conceding these chances against, City’s last 5 games have been against Ipswich, Brentford, West Ham, Leicester and Everton – all sides in the bottom half of the table. Even when City are convincing in their victories, there is still defensive jeopardy, Ederson was forced into making 4 saves against Ipswich last time out despite City running out 6-0 winners.

Chelsea are averaging 6.2 shots on target per game in the Premier League this season, a record only bettered by league leaders Liverpool. This record is far superior to Manchester City’s recent opponents so we can expect the streak to continue. Chelsea have plenty of attacking players that can test Ederson such as Palmer (1.59 shots on target per 90), Jackson (1.60 shots on target per 90) and Madueke (1.74 shots on target per 90). Chelsea also have attacking depth to bring off the bench which can test Ederson late on. Chelsea drew 3 saves from Ederson in the initial meeting between the sides on the opening day of the season.

There is decent value with this selection when backing with bet365, the same market is as low as 1.44 on some bookmakers making the 1.72 offered here a good price when considering the background numbers.