Ramires Hopes Manchester City’s 100% Home Record Can be Broken

Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

In an interview with Sky Sports today, Chelsea FC and Brazil midfielder Ramires discussed his side’s chances when the Blues travel to Manchester City on Monday for what is being billed as the match of the season so far. Chelsea currently sit in third place on the Premiership table, three points behind City and two points behind London rivals Arsenal. Manchester City have yet to lose a game a home and in fact have yet to be held to a draw at the Etihad. Even when they struggled to find regular form away from home, the Etihad was like an impenetrable fortress. City have been scoring goals in bunches all season but they have also shored up what was once a leaky defense.

Ramires’s comments here:

"“We all know that it’s going to be a difficult game but we beat them at home, even if that was also a tough match. We hope we can win on Monday because if we want to win the title it will be very important. Despite the fact it will be difficult, a victory there would be very sweet and we are going to give our very best.”"

If Chelsea are looking to attack and nick all three points from City, they will be playing a dangerous game. The more likely scenario is Jose Mourinho opting for a more compact formation and attacking City on the break. The good news for Chelsea is that they will not have to deal with Sergio Aguero but fellow strikers Edin Dzeko and Alvaro Negredo are still lethal and on good form. If Ramires is selected he must not have a repeat of his dud of a game at West Ham where he seemed to lose his first touch. He must be the defensive animal he becomes in big games and his nonstop running and pressing will come in handy against City’s possession based attack. Even if he is only brought on as a sub to close out a draw or hopefully seal a victory then that same energy will be vital.