Manchester City vs Chelsea Predictions

• Both teams scored in both Premier League meetings between these two sides.
• Both teams have scored in each of City’s last five and in seven of Chelsea’s last eight.
• Former City man Cole Palmer has 11 goals in his last six games for Chelsea.

City and Chelsea could serve up a classic

Manchester City saw their European hopes dashed by Real Madrid on Wednesday but have to pick themselves up quickly as they take on Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley on Saturday.

City dominated against Los Blancos but couldn’t find a second goal and were dragged into extra time before losing out on penalties. Boss Pep Guardiola has enough options to freshen up his team, but there will be a plenty of players out there who may be suffering from a bit of fatigue.

For Chelsea, this represents a chance to secure some silverware in what has otherwise been a disappointing season. They have already lost once at Wembley this season, losing out to Liverpool in the EFL Cup final, and will be keen to avoid that experience again – and they should be encouraged by their displays against City this term having drawn both Premier League meetings.

Both sides capable of striking

City are the clear favourites to win the game and ultimately I expect them to reach the final, but they may need extra time to see off a Chelsea side they have struggled against in the league this season and both teams to score looks the standout option for our main bet.

There have been goals at both ends in each of the defending FA Cup champions’ last five games in all competitions, while both teams to score has been a winning bet in seven of Chelsea’s last eight games and they have scored in 13 of their last 14 across all competitions – with their only blank during that run coming at this venue against Liverpool.

Extra time could be required

City may be a little jaded for this game after a gruelling game against Real in midweek. If it does go to extra time, Guardiola has a strong enough squad to make in-game changes, whereas counterpart Mauricio Pochettino is perhaps a little limited with his own bench options.

As both league games finished level a draw could be on the agenda here, and Chelsea have drawn once at Wembley this term as well. A 2-2 result is the correct score pick as Chelsea have scored at least twice in each of their last eight games, but have also conceded two or more goals in seven of those. City have scored and conceded five goals in total against their opponents already this season, and have scored at least twice in five of their last seven games.

Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, who made the move to Stamford Bridge from the Etihad last summer, looks a strong contender for an anytime goal. Players tend to raise their levels against their former teams and he has scored against City once this term, while he comes into the tie in red hot form with 11 goals across his last six games. Palmer will also be on penalty duties for the Londoners so he looks the standout option for an anytime effort here.

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