3 key battles as Manchester City host Chelsea in the Premier League

Manchester City host Premier League leaders Chelsea on Saturday as Pep Guardiola’s side look to usurp the Blues at the top of the division.

City have won three of their last four league games, but haven’t won at home in the league since a 4-0 success over Bournemouth on September 24.

Since then, Everton, Southampton, and Middlesbrough have all come away with a share of the spoils, and Guardiola will be hoping that his side can finally get that much-needed victory on Saturday.

Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

However, they will be up against the most in-form team in England, as Antonio Conte’s Chelsea will arrive at the Etihad on Saturday on the back of seven straight Premier League victories, including wins over Manchester United, Everton, and Tottenham.

Christian Eriksen’s strike for Spurs was the first goal the Blues have conceded since September 24, which coincides with Conte’s switch to a back three, which has seen Chelsea rise from a lowly tenth in the division to top of the pile.

With the build-up well underway ahead of Saturday’s clash, we’ve analysed the THREE key battles that will ultimately decide the outcome at the Etihad…