Chelsea score predictions: Lots of optimism against reigning champions

Chelsea hosts Manchester City in a match that could end their reign as champions. There is plenty of optimism among our contributors.

Chelsea defeated Aston Villa not so comfortably and they now have the juggernaut that is Manchester City ahead of them. A bad result from City will end their reign as champions in favor of Liverpool so they will want to go all out. Despite that, our contributors are full of optimism about the match.

Olaoluwa Nwobodo: 2-1 Chelsea

Leicester City has dropped points again and third place is even more wide open than it was. Chelsea has been in good form and while Manchester City would be riding the high of obliterating Burnley 5-0, Chelsea should have enough character about them to put up a good fight. Chelsea matched City the last time they played and on another day the results could have been different. Should Chelsea show that same level of intensity and alertness, the match on Thursday could go better than expected. Tammy Abraham and N’Golo Kante to score.

Tan Yi Hao: 0-3 Manchester City

As harsh as the scoreline may seem, it is ultimately an accurate reflection of just how good of a team Manchester City is. Having already scored eight times in their last two matches without reply, City are one of the biggest winners of the restart with a full strength squad to choose from. Even when accounting for Sergio Aguero’s absence, the form of Kevin De Bruyne, and the loss of home advantage without fans makes it really difficult to see past a straightforward City win.

Barrett Rouen: 3-1 Chelsea

I don’t predict Chelsea losses. We win.

Siddharth Bharanidharan: 1-1 Draw

Chelsea will learn from their mistake in the Aston Villa match and come out strong. Frank Lampard is going to rotate the stating XI so the team will start fit and fresh. The Blues will be able to defend well with Kante playing back, Cesar Azpilicueta on the left, and Reece James on the right. Hopefully, the attack will go well if Christian Pulisic and Tammy Abraham are able the start. Overall, Chelsea can take this to a draw if they have the right tactics and starting XI.

Nathaniel Kay: 2-2 Draw

There is never a great time to face Manchester City, especially after Pep Guardiola’s side has scored eight goals in two fixtures since the Premier League returned. However, Frank Lampard has three crucial elements on his side as they clubs meet at Stamford Bridge. One: Sergio Aguero will miss the game—and potentially the rest of the season—thanks to a knee injury sustained at Burnley mid-week. Two: Lampard has a full strength squad at his disposable, which was used to full effect against Aston Villa on Sunday, with plenty of pace and attacking options to penetrate a tiring City defence. Three: N’Golo Kante is back and protecting the back-four, a huge confidence booster in the wake of Guardiola’s menacing forwards. Expect goals, defensive errors and end-to-end action between two managers born to win.

Varun Dani: 2-1 Chelsea

Chelsea have all to play for in the modern day “The Battle of the Blues” while City have diverted their focus to the cup competitions. The game against Villa was a scrappy affair but Chelsea was in full control of the contest and will go toe to toe with City in all regards. From under performing defenses to sublime midfields to incomplete attacks (now that Aguero is injured), the resemblance is uncanny. Expect the difference makers to Kante, Mason Mount and Pulisic. And of course, expect a Captain’s performance from the ever reliable Dave.

Gabe Henderson: 2-1 Chelsea

My brain is telling me to predict a 3-1 Manchester City win, but my gut says otherwise. Chelsea needs to put on a world class performance at Stamford Bridge on its way to overtaking Leicester City for third. In order to have a chance at that, the Blues need to beat Manchester City and close the gap to one point. This is arguably Chelsea’s most difficult remaining game, so a win would go a long way in breaking rival hearts and bolstering the Blues’ top four chances. N’Golo Kante is going to have another masterclass performance,Pulisic will be a difference maker and Abraham will even be a shoe in for Man of the Match.

Michael DeVito: 1-3 Manchester City

The Chelsea defense is not good enough. It needs a major upgrade this summer. Manchester City and Liverpool are on another level from this Chelsea team. For next season, however, the gap has already been closed considerably. A few key additions and maybe level in 2020-21.

Abhishek Pancholi: 1-2 Manchester City

A Chelsea side shorn of Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech and Kai Havertz will put up a fight against title chasing Manchester City, but they will need to wait until next season to put the Cit-y-zens back in their place.

Nate Hofmann: 0-3 Manchester City

Cue the sad trombones. City have been the most impressive team since the restart, and it’s not even close. Granted, they beat the stuffing out of a David Luized Arsenal and a Burnley side that couldn’t name a full bench, both of which should be pretty standard fare for the rest of the season. But, unlike just about every other team in the league, City look just as fit and precise as they did before the break, perhaps even more so. Beyond that, Chelsea don’t necessarily have any incentive to put in the extra effort it will take to beat City. For the Blues, it’s all about fitness, communication and preparation for the FA Cup tie with Leicester on Sunday and an important run of fixtures starting with West Ham next Wednesday. It might make for ugly viewing on Thursday, but there are bigger fish to fry.

Kevin Peacock: 3-1 Chelsea

Chelsea can give Liverpool their first ever Premier League title with a victory over City. The game against Villa showed that the problems Frank Lampard’s team had at the start of the season; scoring and conceding from set plays remain. However, as fluid as City looked against Burnley, Chelsea nearly always perform well against good sides. Sunday’s game was, perhaps not, the greatest of spectacles but the result was good. Chelsea will give City a good run for their money eventually running out winners 3-1 and, at the same time, presenting Liverpool with that first ever Premier League crown. You’ll be most welcome ‘pool fans. Only another four and you’ll have as many as Chelsea.

Ishan Shah: 1-2 Manchester City

Chelsea will need to be at their best if they want any points from this game and even that may not be enough. Such is the quality of Man City. We know how good they are and we also know how good Chelsea can be on their day. I just think the embarrassment of having to give Liverpool a guard of honor is something that will drive the City win.

What score do you predict? Let us know in the comments and on Twitter!