Manchester City vs Chelsea Bet Builder Tips: Over 3.5 Goals in 22/1 shot

Fresh from their 4-2 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, in which they blew a two-goal lead, Manchester City are back in Premier League action as they welcome Chelsea to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday (17:30, Sky Sports Main Event).

The Citizens recorded a thumping 6-0 victory at Ipswich Town last week, while Chelsea were 3-1 victors at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday. Below you will find my Manchester City vs Chelsea bet builder tips, which pay out at a combined 22/1.

Manchester City vs Chelsea Odds

Over 3.5 goals

We all remember the cracking contest between these two sides from November 2023 at Stamford Bridge, right? An eight-goal thriller in which the two teams shared the points, with former Man City man Cole Palmer scoring from the spot to earn the Blues a point.

That match was pure entertainment, and I think we could be in for another goal-filled contest on Saturday. Two of the past six meetings in all competitions have produced at least four goals, but it is their recent form that makes this market appealing to me.

Over 3.5 goals has landed in each of City's last five matches in all competitions, including three from the Premier League. They have looked better in front of goal in recent weeks but their defensive frailties remain.

This has also been a winning selection in Chelsea's previous three fixtures in all competitions, and in Monday's victory over Wolves, Enzo Maresca's men could have ended the night with more goals. The form guide suggests this should be an entertaining end-to-end battle in Manchester.

Erling Haaland and Cole Palmer to score anytime

Erling Haaland was on the scoresheet in Paris but it wasn't enough to seal an important win for his side in Europe. The City front man has netted five goals in as many games for his club in all competitions, including the latest two fixtures against PSG and Ipswich.

He heads into the weekend in decent form and having already scored against Chelsea already this campaign (the opening game of the season), he will fancy his chances to haunt them again in the top flight. In five outings against the Blues in the Premier League to date, Haaland has three goals against them - and I expect this figure to rise at the Etihad.

Another player I fancy to get on the scoresheet is former Citizen Palmer, who is sure to get a frosty reception from the home crowd. The England international is one of Chelsea's star players and he has already netted 14 goals in 22 league appearances this term.

The attacker has three goals in his last five outings heading into this crunch clash, and I feel as though the narrative of the former player scoring against his old side is too good to ignore.

Football Odds

Kevin De Bruyne 1+ assists

Speaking of players coming up against former employers, City's Kevin De Bruyne was once upon a time a Chelsea man, and he is someone who has haunted the Blues with five goals and one assist against them in 15 league appearances.

The Belgian midfielder has found momentum hard to come by for the past 18 months. He suffered a lengthy injury at the beginning of the 2023/24 campaign and this season has seen Man City struggle at times.

However, he has looked back in the groove in recent weeks. De Bruyne has registered four assists in the past three Premier League matches, and so he heads into this crunch clash with confidence that he hasn't quite had for a while.

We have seen glimpses of him back to his best and he could be set to play a starring role on Saturday, and I believe we could see him tee up a teammate again.

Moises Caicedo to be carded

By his standards, Moises Caicedo is having a very disciplined season. In 22 games, he has received just five yellow cards in the top flight. At this stage last season, he had picked up eight bookings, so the Ecuador international is not seeming as reckless as he was last term.

However, I think in a game of this magnitude, there are going to be some physical challenges and as a midfielder, he is likely to be right in the thick of it. He was shown a late card in the reverse fixture back in August, and he also went into the book against Wolves on Monday. I think there is value to be had in backing him to receive a booking this time around.

Offers

Double Delight & Hat-Trick Heaven: Place a pre-match single bet on the first goalscorer market and get DOUBLE or TREBLE the odds if your winning First Goalscorer bet scores a 2nd and 3rd.

Acca Flex: Place a pre-match 5+ leg Football accumulator and get a CASH bonus up to 100% if all of your selections win or your money back as CASH if one leg lets you down

Place an In-Play single bet of £10 or more at odds of 1/2+ on any Premier League or Championship game on Friday or Saturday and get £5 in Free Bets to use In-Play on Sunday’s games. (Credited upon Bet Settlement)

You can read all our latest Football Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights content hub.