Both Chris Sutton and Mark Lawrenson have backed Manchester City to defeat Chelsea in today's third-round FA Cup clash at the Etihad Stadium.
The two Premier League giants battled it out at Stamford Bridge in the league on Thursday evening, with the Citizens securing all three points thanks to a second-half finish from Algerian international Riyad Mahrez. The Blues will be hoping to avenge that match this afternoon when Graham Potter's side take on Pep Guardiola and Co.
However, former Chelsea striker Sutton has predicted Guardiola to be the happier manager of the two once again this weekend. Writing for the BBC, he said: "Manchester City have not really hit their stride since the World Cup, and a few callers to 606 this week blamed Erling Haaland for that - saying their goals are not spread around the team anymore - which I thought was extraordinary.
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"Chelsea have far bigger problems right through their team and, although it was close when they met at Stamford Bridge in the league on Thursday, I am expecting Pep Guardiola's side to beat them comfortably at Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Last year's runners up have reached four of the past five FA Cup finals, but they won't make it to Wembley this time."
Sutton's prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Chelsea
Former Liverpool hero Thompson echoed Sutton's sentiment, also predicting City to come out on top. "The Premier League game during the week was very, very tight", he told PaddyPower. "I just think, with this Chelsea team, they are improving.
"They’re not great and Chelsea fans are really nervous. Manchester City just keep on going.
"They’ve won two, drawn one and lost one in their last four games. But Chelsea, can they get something out of this? I think not but I do fancy Both Teams to Score.
"I’m going for City to Win this because they’re at home and I think it will be something like 3-1."
Thompson's prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Chelsea
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