Starting Fresh
Manchester City face Chelsea in first game of the New Year Sunday
Table of Contents
Regaining Form
As we turn the page on 2020 Manchester City will hope a new year can help change their fortunes in the Premier League
That starts on Sunday when they travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea.
There will be a lot to play for in this one as both sides are currently in a five-way tie for sixth in the league standings.
Lineup News
Kyle Walker and Gabriel Jesus continue to self-isolate following their positive COVID tests and won’t be available.
Three more players won’t play for City following more positive tests but we probably won’t find out who until kickoff tomorrow.
Midfielder Ilkay Gundogan injured his foot in the win over Newcastle but it’s not believed to be too serious.
Moroccan forward Hakim Ziyech could make a return to the lineup for Chelsea after recovering from a hamstring problem.
Defender Reece James has minor hamstring issues himself.
Lucky Seven
City goes into Sunday’s game riding a seven-game unbeaten run in league play.
Frank Lampard’s London side was up and down in the league last month with two wins, three losses, and a draw to finish 2020.
Drawing on past experience
As Pep Guardiola’s side looks to close the gap at the top of the table his team can draw on some impressive numbers in the month of January.
Last season the Cityzens won seven of their eight fixtures in January across all competitions.
City scored 22 goals in those games and conceded just seven.
In January 2019 Man City also won seven of its eight matches in all competitions scoring 31 times and conceding three.
City has won their opening league fixture in 13 of the last 14 calendar years.
New Year’s Feast
One player who will be chomping at the bits to play in this match is Sergio Aguero.
The Argentine international has five goals in his last six games against Chelsea.
In their recent history with Chelsea, City’s gotten goals from some unlikely sources.
Kevin De Bruyne who’s normally the provider has two goals in his last two games against the Blues.
A goal tomorrow would make him the first City player since Carlos Tevez to score in three straight league games versus Chelsea.
On the other side French midfielder N’Golo Kante has two goals in his last four EPL matches against Man City.
That stat isn’t exactly eye popping but when you consider he’s got only seven goals in his last two League campaigns it’s something worth noting.
Scoring remedy
A City team that’s struggled to score goals all season might find the perfect cure in Chelsea.
In their last 12 EPL fixtures against them, Man City have only failed to score once (a 2-0 defeat in 2018).
They’ve maintained five clean sheets in those matches.
Chelsea’s a tough team to score against however having only given up 18 all season.
New Year’s Hangover
One team that tends to struggle out of the gate in the new year is Chelsea.
They’ve failed to win their first Premier League game in each of the last four calendar years (three draws and a loss).
Game Info
Sunday’s game gets underway at 4:30 pm from Stamford Bridge. (JSL).
