Maurizio Sarri’s side travel to the Etihad this weekend hoping to throw a spanner in the works in the Premier League title race.
City are currently top of the table on goal difference but Pep Guardiola’s side are desperate for a win as they’ve played a game more than Liverpool.
Chelsea bounced back with a win over Huddersfield last weekend but they’ve looked vulnerable recently against stronger opposition.
“I would be shocked if Chelsea got anything from this game.”
Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson
Sarri’s side were thrashed 4-0 by Bournemouth last month and they need Gonzalo Higuain to hit the ground running as their place in next season’s Champions League is under threat.
City have lost just once at home this season, a 3-2 defeat by Crystal Palace in December, and they’re favourites against Chelsea after recovering from a recent blip.
And while Merson feels the Blues are stronger than Arsenal, who were beaten by City last weekend, he doesn’t think they’ll complete the double over the champions due to their leaky backline.
“I think City will win this as I just do not see how Chelsea defensively can keep them quiet on their ground and the way they pass and move it,” he told Sky Sports.