Lee Dixon: Even money City are big value to beat Chelsea

24Feb 2013

England - Premier League

Should Manchester City be such a big price to beat Rafael Benitez's Chelsea on Sunday afternoon? Lee Dixon doesn't think so. Here's why...

I'm amazed that Manchester City are as long as even money to beat Chelsea and will be betting accordingly.

Beaten just once at home this season, City still have a mathematical chance of overhauling rivals United at the top of the table and retaining their title. However unlikely that is, I think that Roberto Mancini will keep pushing his team all the way.

And with a clutch of London teams - including Chelsea - almost within touching distance of City, the onus is on the home team to put together a strong late-season run.

I know what it's like to do that. In 1998 we were miles behind United in the league but went on a storming unbeaten streak to somehow overhaul Fergie and co., eventually landing the title with a couple of games to spare. After a few wins we had that invincible feeling about us and Mancini won't have conceded the title yet with the hope of doing something similar. I'm not saying that they're going to rein in United but they won't let their guard down in the league and will be going all out for wins in every match.

I'm expecting a reaction from the shock of losing at Southampton last time out and I expect City to get the better of their opponents on Sunday, but I don't expect the Premier League champions to get an easy ride.

The season has not gone to plan for Chelsea but they remain competitive as demonstrated by third place in the league and still being in cup competitions both on the continent and at home. If I'd been getting the same stick as Rafa Benitez has I think I would have walked and he hasn't done himself any harm regarding future managerial opportunities. Plenty of Blues fan will baulk at that, but their team could still win two cups and finish second and that's not a bad effort by anyone's standards.

I'm expecting Chelsea to give City a run for their money, but home advantage will tell on 90 minutes. Mancini's side boast incredible firepower and I'm a huge fan of both Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez. You can't relax with either of those two on the pitch.

Chelsea are pretty nifty in attack too - Frank Lampard has scored in the last four league games - and I imagine we'll see a few goals so overs is the bet for me.

But my main wager is on a home win. Opta tell us that City have won this fixture for the last three seasons and even money they're a great price to make that four in a row.

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