Verdict: Manchester City -3
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Huddersfield will target an unlikely victory against Manchester City on Sunday as they look to move away from the Premier League relegation zone. We make our prediction on the clash from the Etihad.
Manchester City
Even though Manchester City have already been crowned Premier League champions, they can set a number of records with victory against Huddersfield. Three points on Sunday will ensure they surpass Chelsea’s 2004-05 record of 95 points, and last season’s 30 wins. Just two more goals and Pep Guardiola’s men will also break the Blues record of 103 set in 2009-10. City may have been forgiven for taking their foot off the pedal since they mathematically secured the title, however a 5-0 victory against Swansea and a 4-1 drubbing of West Ham suggests otherwise. It’s looking likely that another scoreline similar could be on the cards against Huddersfield. The Citizens have won all but two of their league home games, scoring an incredible 58 times in 17 matches. They’ve also won by three goals or more on nine occasions. Raheem Stirling has improved his game dramatically this campaign, and has been one of the main focal points to Guardiola’s attack. With 18 goals so far, he looks likely to add to his tally against the relegation-threatened Terriers.
Team News
Defenders Vincent Kompany (minor knock) and John Stones (adductor) could make a return to the line-up for Manchester City.
Kyle Walker (groin) faces a late fitness test, but top scorer Sergio Aguero (knee) is out.
Huddersfield
After losing four of their last seven games, Huddersfield are firmly in a relegation battle. David Wagner’s men sit three points ahead of 17th placed Southampton with three games to go. However, the Terriers face Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal in those final matches. Their latest performances don’t suggest they’re going to cause any upsets either. An uninspiring 2-0 defeat to Everton last weekend had the squad looking bereft of confidence at the full time whistle. Away from home, Huddersfield have also lost five of their last seven matches, having failed to score in every one of those defeats. It would seem that Wagner needs at least a point from the remaining matches to keep his team in the Premier League, but it looks unlikely to come from Sunday’s visit to the Etihad. If they are to salvage a minor miracle from the game, they may have to rely on striker Steve Mounie to produce the goods. The 23-year-old is the Terriers top scorer with seven goals in the league this season.
Team News
Tom Ince is a doubt due to a hamstring injury.
Michael Hefele could feature after returning to training this week, but Elias Kachunga and Danny Williams (both ankle) are out.
Key Factors to Consider
Manchester City have won 13 Premier League games by three or more goals this season
Huddersfield have failed to score on 19 occasions in the league this campaign
Man City have not won a home league match with Huddersfield since November 1987 (D1 L2), although this is their first meeting since 1999
Raheem Sterling has scored 49 Premier League goals in his career – one more would make him the 11th player to reach 50 while under the age of 24 in the competition
Gabriel Jesus has scored in his last four appearances for Man City in all competitions
Conclusion
Manchester City have been formidable this season, and even though they have the title wrapped up already, they won’t let Huddersfield get away lightly. Pep Guardiola still has his sights on breaking records and it could result in a heavy defeat for the Terriers.
Verdict: Manchester City -3
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