I almost forgot what Premier League matches felt like. Chelsea, who sit atop the Premier League table, host Manchester City, currently sitting in 2nd place, just five points off the lead, on Saturday.
We’ve found confirmation that there is indeed a media campaign against Chelsea, as they played a role in Costa’s three-game ban, which is currently being appealed. In response, Chelsea announced that there will be no pre-match press conference with Jose Mourinho today, and good for them. Jose stops feeding the media with the crap they desire. It sets an us vs. them mentality, and our team performs the best under that mentality.
Before this gets too much like a pre-game report, let’s get to the Q&A. I spoke with Manchester City fan and writer at Read Man City, Josh Lawless, to get his thoughts ahead of Saturday’s clash:
Something I’m always interested in when talking to opposing fans is how their fandom started. How did you become a Manchester City fan?
It’s pretty straightforward really, and probably the most common route. I was born into a City-supporting family and heavily influenced by my dad’s side. I guess it was only normal to be a blue and fall in love with the ultimate ‘soap opera’ club. I think it’s fair to say that a lot of City fans have been rewarded for their faith and support, with a shift in power bringing a host of memorable moments and successes.
Manchester City currently sit at 2nd place in the Premier League table. Last season, City spent just 15 days atop the table. That obviously worked out for them, as they sat atop the table after the most important day of the season: match day 38. This season, they have yet to be sole leaders of the Premier League at the end of any match day. There’s a long way to go, but, aside from the obvious (a.k.a. chaos), how do you see the remainder of the season playing out?
I actually think it’s a similar scenario to last season, though I would have preferred us to be in the hot seat. Our whole season is reliant on this match, and if we can come away with three points, I’m hopeful it can really spur us on and peak in the crucial stages of the season. We have Barcelona in the Champions League coming up and that will inevitably provide a tough test, one I don’t think we are cut out for, but you never know.
I agree with that. Manchester City has an extremely difficult road ahead of them in the next month, so this game is crucial for them winning any type of trophy this season – especially considering their track record in the Champions League.
Many people get the perception that Manchester City can’t win, in the long run, without Sergio Aguero. Not just this season, but in the past as well. Care to shed some light on that situation?
Of course Aguero is very much a key member of our squad, but I actually think we coped reasonably well without him in that Christmas period, with Milner stepping up to the plate. But, undoubtedly, we are a better team with his exceptional talents on attack. Even when we are playing poorly, he has the ability to pull something out of the bag and drag us through the muck – prime example would be the away fixture with QPR. We are fortunate to have a player of his caliber.
Milner is such an underrated player. In my opinion, he was City’s Man of the Match in the 1-1 draw back in September, and he’s been great from what I’ve watched.
What part(s) of your squad would you like to see strengthened in January? Who are some realistic names that could join Manchester City during this transfer window?
As I’m sure you know, bringing Bony in was a big deal and is an acquisition I’m delighted with. However, I don’t think we will be doing too much business as the window comes to a close. If we were to suddenly become active, a defender and a winger should be the priority.
You had to know this was coming: how key has Frank Lampard been to your season?
I can’t praise Frank highly enough, his influence has been clear. I think Pellegrini has been very clever in the way he has used Lampard, in the sense that he has managed his situation and fitness levels accordingly, and weaved him into the side when needed. His passing range is impressive, as is his knack of scoring goals at important times. Hopefully he features in the big game on Saturday.
It’s really impressive how Pellegrini is using him, at the age Frank is at. I miss him at Chelsea.
In the history of Manchester City-Chelsea matchups, what has been your favorite moment?
I would probably go for the game at the Etihad a couple of years back where we scored two late goals to win 2-1. Tevez made his mark on the game, laying on a wonderful assist for Nasri to bag a late winner. A memorable moment in the title race.
Now: on to the game at hand. The last time we played was just over four months ago, and it was…bittersweet. I was heart broken when Frank scored, but wised up after the final whistle. Going in to the game, I told myself I’d be happy with a draw. At the end of the day, drawing at The Etihad was a satisfactory result. What do you remember from that day?
It was a very intriguing contest as I think I am right in saying you had a 100% record going into the game. We were in the ascendancy for large parts of the game yet couldn’t convert our chances. Kompany and Mangala dealt with Costa well, and Milner gave Azpilicueta a tough time. The sending off changed matters and Chelsea had a good spell where they got their goal, through Schurrle. I think Costa hit the post too. That seemed to galvanise us and we showed a great spirit to take something the game, with Lampard, memorably, scoring. If I’m being honest, it felt like a win at the end of the game.
You are correct, as we were 4-0-0 in the Premier League going in to that game. I’ve been on the Kompany hate train for quite some time, but the effort him and Mangala put in during that game was impressive. Pellegrini moving Milner to right back after Pablo Zabaleta got sent off might have rescued the game for City.
Manchester City will be without Yaya Toure and Wilfried Bony due to the Africa Cup of Nations. There are rumors that Lampard will miss the game as well. How badly does that hurt your squad?
Lampard should be fit, but the other two are evidently big losses. First and foremost, Yaya is fundamental to the way the play, dictating play and setting up attacks from deep, we just aren’t comfortable in midfield without him. It is no coincidence that we have struggled in his absence. It would have been a perfect game for Bony to mark his mark on, so it’s disappointing that he’s still at the AFCON. Nasri will be a huge miss too. It is up to the other players to step up to the plate. I have a feeling we may be a little more pragmatic than normal in this one.
On Wednesday, Gary Jacobs reported that Chelsea do not plan on doing any type of tribute for Lampard. I think that is an absolute joke if it turns out to be true, and I’ll share my thoughts after I get yours first. I can’t believe that I actually have to ask this, but do you think Lampard deserves a tribute from the club?
There’s no denying that Lampard is an absolute legend. He deserves a tribute, but I can see why the club would be skeptical. Regardless, Lampard is a real classy fella, and a cracking player. He should receive a good reception, but that might change if he affects the game in any way.
I’m going to be jammed from the get-go if there’s not any type of tribute for Frank. Fans’ ability to forget his years and success at the club is mind-boggling to me.
When looking at this Chelsea side, who do you feel poses the biggest threat to Manchester City on Saturday?
Hazard is a player we usually struggle against, and his threat must be reduced significantly if we are to take something from this game. He teases and terrorizes fullbacks, so Zabaleta will have to be on form to deal with the Belgian. I also rate Matic really highly, and we really need to disrupt him, like Spurs did, if we plan on claiming all three points.
Matic and Hazard have been so good for us this season. We’v been really fortunate that one, and usually more, of Hazard, Matic, Costa, Fabregas and/or Courtois have played in dominating fashion every game.
Fill in the blank: if Manchester City defeat Chelsea on Saturday, it will be because _________?
It will be because of our movement and composure in the final third. Aguero needs to step up after his injury and if we can get him in behind, you would bank on him taking a chance. Being at home, Chelsea have to come out and so I think that suits us. There should be a decent amount of space for Silva to thrive in.
Finally, can we get a score prediction and how you think the game will play out?
It will be a close one for sure, and I know many teams don’t fancy their chances coming to the bridge. But with the injuries to Fabregas and Luis, and Costa’s likely suspension, I’m quietly confident we can come away with a win. 2-1 City I’ll go for. Lampard winner.
Those last two words were the dagger for me. The possible absences of Costa, Fabregas and/or Luis could be the deciding factor in this game, especially if the Cuadrado deal is not finalized in time. I’m going with a 2-1 scoreline as well, but in the favor of Chelsea.
Again, a huge thank you to Josh Lawless for chatting with me. If you want to follow him on Twitter, you can find him at @JoshLawlessMCFC. For more view from the opposition, follow @TheMaineBlues on Twitter. If you would like to follow myself and read my hot takes on the game, you can find me at @KBJelly on Twitter.
