As Chelsea's winless streak in the Premier League extends to four matches, new head coach Graham Potter faces the daunting task of revitalizing the team's performance. Meanwhile, Manchester City grapples with defensive issues, struggling when out of possession on the field. These developments unfold amidst the backdrop of the January transfer window, presenting both challenges and opportunities for the clubs involved.
Chelsea has been unable to secure a victory in their last four league games, raising questions over their ability to contend for top honors. Graham Potter, known for his ability to galvanize teams, took charge of Chelsea with a promising history. He had previously won his opening games at Ostersunds, Swansea, and Brighton and remained unbeaten in his first ten matches with the Blues. Yet, Chelsea's recent encounters reveal vulnerabilities, particularly in dealing with physical confrontations through the center of the pitch.
Lucas Paqueta emerges as a player who could potentially benefit from Potter's expertise. Paqueta's ability to tackle effectively—averaging 2.8 tackles per game this season under Slot—signals his potential to strengthen Chelsea's midfield dynamics. His shot-on-target price of 7/4 with Sky Bet also highlights his offensive capabilities. Potter's knack for unlocking players' potential could see him leveraging Paqueta's skills to elevate Chelsea's performance.
Meanwhile, Manchester City faces its own set of issues, with their defensive frailties being a major concern. Despite being fortunate to concede just one goal in their last three matches, City's struggles when out of possession make them possibly the worst team in the Premier League on this front. Brentford, with their aggressive and direct attackers, seem well-positioned to exploit City's pressing structure vulnerabilities.
City's past encounter with Crystal Palace saw Liam Delap netting twice for Ipswich before Jean-Philippe Mateta helped Palace draw level. This match highlighted City's inconsistent defensive showing and underscored the pressing need for improvement.
In the midst of these challenges, Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to make an impact after his underwhelming performance during Liverpool's 2-2 draw with Manchester United. Out with a point to prove, Alexander-Arnold aims to demonstrate his prowess and address criticisms of his recent form.
As clubs look to bolster their squads during the January transfer window, strategies are being formed to address weaknesses and build on strengths. Salford, a Sky Bet League Two side, showcased its offensive capabilities by racking up 10 shots and nearly one expected goal in a recent match. This highlights the competitive nature of teams across different leagues aiming to enhance their rosters.
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