Chris Sutton has backed Manchester City to make it three wins against Chelsea this season ahead of their FA Cup third round meeting.
Writing for the BBC, Sutton could see nothing but a victory for Pep Guardiola’s side at the Etihad this afternoon.
City have already defeated Graham Potter’s team twice this term, both triumphs inflicting heavy damage on the beaten Blues.
The first encounter in November ended Chelsea’s Carabao Cup run at the first hurdle.
Whilst lifting this particular cup is never the highest priority, it might’ve been the best chance for Potter to get his hands on silverware considering the events that proceeded that loss.
On Thursday, Guardiola’s squad travelled to London for a Premier League fixture under the Stamford Bridge lights.
Riyad Mahrez’s goal was enough to separate the two rivals and plunge Chelsea into 10th place in the table.
Potter also lost another two players through injury that night, with Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic forced off in the second-half.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had to be substituted as a substitute due to fatigue.
What will happen between Chelsea and Manchester City in the FA Cup?
Chelsea have taken some serious blows from the reigning English champions, and Sutton predicted another knock-out punch to his former employers later today.
Manchester City have not really hit their stride since the World Cup, and a few callers to 606 this week blamed Erling Haaland for that – saying their goals are not spread around the team anymore – which I thought was extraordinary,” said the ex-striker.
“Chelseahave far bigger problems right through their team and, although it was close when they met at Stamford Bridge in the league on Thursday, I am expecting Pep Guardiola’s side to beat them comfortably at Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Last year’s runners up have reached four of the past five FA Cup finals, but they won’t make it to Wembley this time.”
Chelsea’s record in the FA Cup should provide Potter just a slither of causing an upset in the next few hours.
The last time they were eliminated at the first stage was in 1997 against Manchester United.
Unfortunately, there’s a strong chance United’s noisy neighbours will inflict the same pain very soon.
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