Chelsea v Man City preview

Sven versus Avram promises intriguing tactical battle

Last updated: 26th October 2007

Manchester City manager Sven Goran Eriksson
Predictions:

Skysports.com's prediction: 2-1

One to watch: Didier Drogba

SKY BET ODDS: Chelsea 2/5, Draw 3/1, Man City 6/1

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Saturday's game at Eastland pits two managers who have experienced differing receptions from their respective club's supporters; while Sven Goran Eriksson has exorcised his England demons at Manchester City, Avram Grant still works under the foreboding shadow of Jose Mourinho at Chelsea.

But then it would be wrong to suggest Eriksson was welcomed into the City fold with the proverbial open arms, instead he has shown how results manifest respect in turning even the staunchest cynic into a fan. And Grant will be well aware of the parallels to his own position, as he looks to convince the Stamford Bridge faithful the ordinary one can serve up football more thrilling than that of the special one.

A midweek UEFA Champions League defeat of Schalke, a fifth win in seven games for Grant, can only have helped his cause and he will be demanding another three points on Saturday - even if City currently look down on his side in the table.

The metamorphosis from mediocrity to magnificent is not quite complete at City but Sven's Midas touch at club level appears to have struck again as he attempts to manage expectations, as they sit third in the table after ten games.

Key to City's success has been an ability to keep a settled side and at Stamford Bridge he is expected to name an unchanged team for the fourth game running.

Rolando Bianchi is perhaps the one City signing who has failed to live up to expectations and despite the fact he is now fit, and holds an £8.8million price tag, the best he can hope for is a spot on the bench.

Joe Hart, despite a less than convincing display against Birmingham, will continue in goal as Andreas Isaksson presses him for a return between the posts.

Terry blow

Emile Mpenza will act as a lone striker but given the desire of both Martin Petrov and Elano to add attacking support, the burly Belgian should not feel too isolated against a Chelsea defence shorn of their talisman John Terry.

The Chelsea and England captain has undergone surgery on his knee and faces a month on the sidelines, which should see Alex and Ricardo Carvalho resume their new look central defensive partnership.

Wayne Bridge will continue in the absence of Ashley Cole, with Paulo Ferreira back in favour on the opposite flank at right-back.

Didier Drogba's long-term future may be the subject of conjecture after some ill-timed comments but on the field he has responded in a typically robust and impressive fashion and it will be the Ivorian that leads Chelsea's attack on Saturday.

With Grant advocating an attacking policy and City a fine side to watch on the counter, it could well be an intriguing clash which ensues on Saturday.