Features
Why Erling Haaland & Man City will fancy their chances of beating Chelsea to retain Premier League title
Manchester City have almost clinched another Premier League title and have the chance to retain their crown against Chelsea this weekend.
After thrashing Real Madrid 4-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday night to progress into their second European Cup final, Pep Guardiola’s side have the chance to win their first of three potential pieces of silverware on Sunday afternoon at the Etihad.
“We’re lucky to have the chance to finish at home with our people,” said Guardiola during his pre-match press conference. “We have to take it. “
Chelsea head north looking to extend their unbeaten run to three games, but everything is against them as City look to confirm their status as Champions once again.
2022/23 Premier League title permutations
Arsenal lose vs Nottingham Forest on Saturday
Manchester City win vs Chelsea on Sunday
Arsenal draw and Manchester City draw or win
Should it be wrapped up prior to Sunday’s clash, that would be if Arsenal lose to Nottingham Forest, caretaker boss Lampard would be open to giving the hosts a guard of honour.
“I haven’t (thought about it) but we could do. I remember getting that as a player and it was something that was very respectful so I would have no problem with that at all.”
Chelsea have scored 36 goals all season in the Premier League. Erling Haaland has the exact same figure, an impressive statistic which Lampard also acknowledges their problem in the process.
“It’s a fantastic stat from him, I know the Chelsea side of it is another story. I have huge respect for the player – he is a player I tried to bring to Chelsea the first time I was here. I was really keen to get him here, obviously it couldn’t happen but his level at that point was very clear as well.
“We played against him in a pre-season game at Salzburg and he was fantastic. Credit to him, I love seeing players at that level and with that personality and hunger to be the best, which he has proved himself to be.
He added: “In terms of dealing with him you obviously have to have a plan – players at that level can make anything happen at any level so you have to be at your best to try to negate the things he does.”
Chelsea both score and concede on average around a goal a game, City score more than two, while Haaland bags one a game. It’s, therefore, highly likely that there will be at least three goals on Sunday with the Norway international getting on the scoresheet to seal Guardiola’s side another title.
Lampard’s side, if they can, will look to delay the inevitable party by a further game but City look on course to complete the league double over Chelsea to begin their treble season dream.