I HAD done a write-up for today's Daily Record tipping Chelsea to win the big game with Man City – then ripped it up after Diego Costa was handed a three-match ban for stamping.
Without Costa as well as Didier Drogba and Andre Schurrle and doubts about Branislav Ivanovic and Cesc Fabregas it could be a tough day for the Blues and I'm sure Jose Mourinho would settle for a point to keep his side's five-point lead at the top intact.
The draw pays 5-2 at Stan James and a score draw is 15-4 at McBookie and BetVictor.
Costa's absence is a massive loss for the Blues who bounced back well from their Bradford shame last week by edging out Liverpool to reach the Capital One Cup Final.
City were also knocked out by a lower-league team at home in the FA Cup and will still be missing key man Yaya Toure. However, Sergio Aguero will hope to be closer to match sharpness after failing to score in three games since making his comeback.
I'd be surprised if it was an open game and I like the look of under 2.5 goals at 21-20 with BetVictor.
Frank Lampard came off the bench to net the equaliser when the sides met at the Etihad and there is a chance he could start tonight. If he does consider him to net at any time at 19-4 with 888sport – and of course he won't celebrate.
Without Costa, Drogba and possibly Fabregas and Ivanovic out the onus will fall on Eden Hazard to score and he is 11-4 for Paddy Power to do so.
In what looks a close contest I've seen some tips for John Terry to score first and if Ivanovic is out he might be worth a small stake at 28-1 with BetVictor and Coral.
Recommended Bets
Draw
(5-2, Stan James)
Under 2.5 goals
(21-20, BetVictor)
Hazard to score
(11-4, Paady Power)
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
Lampard to come on as a sub and rescue a point for city for the second time against Chelsea this season
Paddy Power doing money back as a free bet if the game ends a draw on match result market.
I think chelsea will win 4-2 so im putting 5 quid on it
Really fancy City. Chelsea will take a point now and I feel if City can pile the pressure on they can take the game to Chelsea.
City to win and open up the Premiership title race
14/5
Betfair, Bet 365,
SkyBet have a price boost for Hazard to score in 90 mins & Chelsea win – 5/1
Aguero anytime/City win – 11/2
1-1 11/2 betfair