Chelsea appear to have finally clicked under Mauricio Pochettino. The Blues are able to find the back of the net with regularity, and the frequent losses that were being experienced appear to have stopped.

The last two matches have been some of the most entertaining in Premier League history, with their 4-1 victory against Tottenham Hotspur and 4-4 draw against Manchester City results that the most ardent of Chelsea fans would have found difficult to predict.

However, the Blues’ momentum may have been stopped as the latest international break (and the final one for 2023) has arrived, thus halting the progress that is being experienced temporarily. But, with challenging matches against Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion on the horizon immediately after, has it come at a good time?

Predicting what might happen against Newcastle United & Brighton

In the last two years or so, it would be fair to say that Eddie Howe’s Newcastle have swapped places with Chelsea. The Magpies have turned into one of the Premier League’s top clubs, having been rewarded with a UEFA Champions League place after their top-four finish last season.

They have been a little off-the-boil in this campaign, but like Chelsea, they have had their issues. They have had a list of unavailable players as long as their arm, with many key individuals featuring on it for one reason or another. They will still have that lengthy list when they return to domestic action after the international break, too, thus making it a potentially ideal time for the Blues to play them.

Those who watch the match through a Football Live Streaming platform might not be able to expect a humdinger of a game like the previous two for Chelsea, but they could potentially witness a good outcome. Newcastle will see Bruno Guimarães return after he served his suspension, but the Magpies are likely to be without many of their other stars. They will also be returning following a defeat to Bournemouth, where they were second-best throughout the contest.

The game against Brighton might also come at a good time for the Blues. Robert De Zerbi’s side are not in the best of form at the moment in the Premier League. They may be unbeaten in their last three, but all three have been draws. Their last win in the league was back on September 24 (seven games ago). With a trip to Nottingham Forest and Athens (UEFA Europa League) before visiting London, Chelsea might find that they have a good opportunity to close the gap – if not overtake – between the two sides in the league table.

Chelsea is starting to hit good form

As mentioned, Pochettino’s side are starting to find their form and are looking like a team that is capable of getting the wins that why should be obtaining. They have had their issues, but they are beginning to look like a thing of the past.

The Blues are by no means a finished article, as they still have a lot of work to do to get back to where they rightly belong, but there is evident progress and positive things to come, including the return of players yet to even play for the club.

Chelsea may have some of their own players back available following a lengthy absence, with rumours suggesting that Romeo Lavia and Christoper Nkunku are edging closer to making their debuts. After lengthy spells out and the rest of the team playing well, they may use the games against Newcastle and Brighton to try and make an impact that forces Pochettino to consider them as starters.

Will these next two games define Chelsea’s season?

While Chelsea will go into every single game as a must-win, it is possible to argue that the fixtures against Newcastle and Brighton are among two of the most important to be played.

The clubs are teams they will compete with come the end of the season if they want to obtain European qualification. With both suffering in their own way, there is the opportunity for the Londoners to try and capitalize. Suppose they are able to get a positive result. In that case, Chelsea may feel they can boost their chances, especially as they start to head into a hectic festive period that really will truly define their 2023/24 Premier League season.

The Premier League often sets the stage for football’s most thrilling encounters, and the upcoming match between Manchester City and Chelsea promises to be a spectacular showcase of talent, strategy, and athleticism. This article zooms in on the key players who are set to leave a mark on this highly anticipated game.

With unique backgrounds and impressive skills, these athletes bring depth and excitement to the pitch. From Erling Haaland’s astounding scoring rate to Zack Steffen’s Pennsylvania roots, this clash is more than just a game; it’s a narrative of passion and prowess unfolding in real-time.

Erling Haaland: The Complete Centre-Forward

Erling Haaland embodies the archetype of a modern striker. His robust physique is not just for show; it’s a fundamental aspect of his playstyle, enabling him to involve teammates in the buildup. His pace isn’t just for sprints; it’s a calculated tool for intelligent positioning, allowing him to exploit defensive gaps.

When he’s not orchestrating play from deeper positions, he’s using his ambidextrous finishing skills to punctuate Manchester City’s attacks with goals. His statistics are not just numbers; they are testament to a forward who has redefined what it means to lead the line.

Julian Álvarez: Versatility Embodied

Julian Álvarez’s adaptability on the field makes him a tactical asset for Manchester City. Whether he’s leading the charge as a centre-forward or weaving plays as a right-winger, Álvarez knows how to complement his teammates’ strengths. His keen sense of space and timing allows him to carve out opportunities for others, seamlessly transitioning between a scorer and a creator. His intelligent movements and efficient passing don’t just contribute to the flow of the game; they often dictate it.

Zack Steffen: Pennsylvania’s Pride in Goal

In the upcoming Chelsea vs. Manchester City clash on Feb 17, 2024, one player to keep an eye on is Zack Steffen. Hailing from PA, his background adds a fascinating layer to the British game. Local PA residents can rely on ESPN Bet to watch the game and get into the action.

Steffen registered nine clean sheets in 42 English Football League appearances for Middlesbrough last season. He has earned 29 caps for the USMNT to date, though he hasn’t featured since March 2022. The Pennsylvania native recently missed CONCACAF Nations League duty following a knee procedure at the conclusion of his club campaign.

Nicolas Jackson: A New Breed of Number 9

Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson challenges the conventional striker’s mold with his blend of height and agility. His capability to dribble past defenders is complemented by his aerial prowess, making him a dual-threat in the opposition’s box. Jackson’s role extends beyond scoring; his ability to shield the ball and create plays for teammates underscores his importance in Chelsea’s attacking arsenal.

Raheem Sterling: The Evolution of a Winger

Raheem Sterling’s transformation over the years has been remarkable. Once known for his speed and agility at Liverpool, he honed his skills to become a multifaceted winger at Manchester City and later at Chelsea.

His proficiency in both pressing and attacking maneuvers makes him a formidable opponent on the pitch. Sterling’s tactical development is not merely about personal growth; it’s about adapting and excelling in the ever-evolving landscape of modern football.

How Chelsea Can Beat Manchester City

To secure a victory against Manchester City, Chelsea would need to focus on several tactical and strategic keys.

Exploit Defensive Gaps

Given Erling Haaland’s tendency to drop deep, Chelsea’s defense could exploit the temporary gaps he leaves in Manchester City’s forward line. Quick transitions and sharp counterattacks could catch City off guard during these moments.

Neutralize Álvarez’s Versatility

Julian Álvarez thrives on intelligent movement and creating space. Chelsea must ensure they track his off-the-ball runs and deny him the opportunity to link up play or find pockets of space to receive the ball.

Leverage Nicolas Jackson’s Attributes

Utilizing Nicolas Jackson’s pace and dribbling could be key in stretching Manchester City’s defense. Encouraging him to engage in one-on-one situations might create scoring opportunities or draw fouls in dangerous areas.

Maximize Sterling’s Experience

Raheem Sterling’s familiarity with Manchester City’s playing style can be invaluable. His knowledge of City’s defensive behaviors could be leveraged to Chelsea’s advantage, particularly in finding and exploiting weak points.

Control Midfield Tempo

City’s midfield is crucial to their game. Chelsea should look to control the tempo and deny City the rhythm they need to feed their forwards effectively.

Disciplined Defensive Shape

Maintaining a disciplined defensive shape will be crucial. This means avoiding getting pulled out of position by City’s movement and ensuring that there are always players ready to cover when others step out to press.

Strategic Pressing

Implementing a strategic pressing system that targets specific players, particularly those less comfortable under pressure, can force turnovers in advantageous areas of the pitch for Chelsea.

Effective Use of Wide Areas

Manchester City’s fullbacks often push high up the pitch, which can leave space behind them. Chelsea should exploit these areas with quick switches of play and rapid wide attacks.

Set-Piece Efficiency

Lastly, making the most of set-pieces could be a game-changer, especially if the match is tight. Precision in free-kicks and corners, along with rehearsed plays, can take advantage of any lapse in City’s defensive set-up.

By focusing on these keys, Chelsea can look to disrupt Manchester City’s rhythm, exploit any weaknesses, and create scoring opportunities that could lead to a significant victory.