Opta Big Match Stats: Chelsea to shush Man City again

Michael Lintorn
14 February 2014

Jose Mourinho won both league scraps with Manuel Pellegrini

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Michael Lintorn has scrutinised the Opta stats and reached the conclusion that Chelsea will frustrate Man City once more...

"Chelsea have kept five clean sheets in their last seven FA Cup matches."
Best Bet: Back Chelsea to keep a clean sheet at Man City @ 4.77/2

Man City v Chelsea, Saturday 17:15, ITV, Match Odds: Man City 2.285/4, Chelsea 3.45, The Draw 3.65

Chelsea are unbeaten in 12 competitive matches; winning nine and drawing three
The Blues became this season's first domestic visitors to win at the Etihad Stadium less than two weeks ago, but that isn't the only reason to fancy them to irritate Man City again. Manuel Pellegrini's side showed a hangover from that result in the 0-0 draw at Norwich that followed, and were then robbed of the chance to rebuild Etihad momentum against Sunderland in midweek by the weather. Chelsea have beaten the Citizens twice already in 2013/14, and lost just once in 32 FA Cup outings.
Recommended Bet: Lay Man City to win @ 2.35/4

The west Londoners have kept five clean sheets in their last seven FA Cup matches
Man City won the 2010/11 trophy and reached last term's final, yet Chelsea are the true kings of the FA Cup, as their four triumphs in seven years and the above clean sheet record proves. Defensive class has also fuelled their climb to the top of the Premier League, with only three opposition goals allowed in their last 12 games across all competitions. One of the nine shutouts in that sequence was secured on their last Etihad trip, and Man City haven't scored in over three hours of football.
Best Bet: Back Chelsea to keep a clean sheet @ 4.77/2

The Blues have managed a total of just two goals in their four FA Cup clashes with the Citizens
This column has already presented the case for Man City's score being nil, so given how unlikely it is that Chelsea score three or more, under 2.5 goals has to be fancied at odds above evens. Six of Jose Mourinho's men's last eight encounters have produced two strikes or fewer, as have three of their past four ventures to the Etihad. Four of Man City's last six FA Cup skirmishes with Premier League companions sailed under the 2.5 goal bar too.
Recommended Bet: Back under 2.5 goals @ 2.0811/10

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