MORE: Seven Premier League storylines | Premier League players to watch In contrast, the Blues struggled to a 2-2 draw against Swansea in their first match but are available at +260 to bounce back with a big victory in this one. Both of last season’s league meetings between these teams finished in 1-1 draws, and you can get odds of +240 on them sharing the spoils again. After cutting a frustrated figure following his side’s draw at Stamford Bridge, Jose Mourinho will have been slightly concerned to see last season’s runners-up get off to such a strong start on Monday. The Portuguese boss has been in particularly spiky form already this season, barely masking his anger the officials for sending off Thibaut Courtois before controversially criticizing his medical staff.
MORE: Chelsea season preview Such behavior bears all the hallmarks of a man trying to deflect attention away from his team’s own shortcomings, while he has done little to hide his frustration at the lack of activity in the transfer market. Under pressure already after just one game, Mourinho will now be particularly desperate to avoid defeat against his principal title rival, so should set the team out in typically conservative shape for the occasion. Such a tactic has worked well in previous games against City, which could be in for a frustrating afternoon of struggling to break down their defensive visitors. All things considered, odds of -125 on under 2.5 goals being scored look like the best bet, particularly as they would have paid out in the last four consecutive games between the sides.
Chelsea at Manchester City odds and pick
Chelsea +260 Manchester City +110 Draw +240 Total: 2.5 (UNDER -125)
