Ricky Hatton says Manchester City's title hopes depend on beating Chelsea
Wednesday 28 January 2015 12:08, UK
Former world light-welterweight champion Ricky Hatton insists his beloved Manchester City must win at Stamford Bridge on Saturday if they are to have any chance of retaining their Premier League title.
City trail leaders Chelsea by five points ahead of the Saturday Night Football clash against Jose Mourinho’s side after last weekend’s 2-0 defeat against Arsenal saw them lose ground on the league leaders.
“Chelsea will be favourites but with the quality that City have of course they have a chance,” Hatton told Sky Sports News HQ from his gym in Manchester.
“I think they need to win Saturday. If they don’t win Saturday I think eight points will be too much to claw back if I am honest with you.
“It’s going to be a difficult game. Obviously after last night’s win and Chelsea’s recent form they are full of confidence and we’ve lost a bit of our form to be honest. Even our big names like Aguero are not performing.
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“But I think it is a heavyweight clash. I think most Chelsea fans will be thinking if they can get eight points in front of us then it will take some clawing back.
“I’m actually going to the game as well and I’ll be going there optimistic. We have to try and shorten it on Saturday. If we don’t shorten it on Saturday then I think it could be curtains.”
Chelsea fan and super-middleweight hopeful George Groves was live in the studio and he believes the Blues will stroll to victory if Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas are available this weekend’s clash, live on Sky Sports 1 HD.
“Eight points would be a lot to claw back (if City lost) and it would then be Chelsea’s to lose,” Groves said.
“But key players may not be playing or in form or fit. Chelsea do rely heavily on Diego Costa - there’s talk of him not being able to play at the weekend.
“And the same with Fabregas who came off injured (on Tuesday night). We hope he’s fit to play at the weekend and I think if both of those players are there we should see, maybe not a comfortable win, but a safe win for Chelsea. If not then it is up for grabs.”
Watch Chelsea v Manchester City live on Sky Sports 1 at 5.30pm on Saturday.
