Back in September, a Gabriel Jesus strike set the seal on what was magnificent all-round display at Stamford Bridge by Pep Guardiola’s side.
City will go into this weekend’s match on the back of an incredible 11-game winning run in the league, one which has helped us open up a 10-point lead on Thomas Tuchel’s side
And looking ahead to what is one of the most eagerly anticipated Premier League games of the season on our last edition of Matchday Live, Dickov said City should take great heart from both the manner and execution of that impressive win in London back in September.
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“We set our marker down earlier in the season with that win at Stamford Bridge,” the former City and Scotland striker declared.
“At that time people were talking about Chelsea being the title favourites but we went down there, and dominated the game and were the better team by a country mile.
“Since our last game at Swindon in the FA Cup, they’ve had an FA Cup tie at home to Chesterfield and then Chelsea have to visit Tottenham on Wednesday night in the Carabao Cup semi-final as well where they won’t really want to rest or leave players out, I would think.
“Whereas we will have had eight days’ rest and time to prepare (from the Swindon game) and the other positive is that from last Friday there were no injuries.
“So hopefully we can go into the Chelsea game with a fully fit squad, with everybody firing and look to continue this fantastic run that we have been on.
“It’s probably the biggest game of the season yet and we can hopefully get the same result again on Saturday.”
For his part, Shaun Wright-Phillips, who was a fellow special guest alongside Dickov on the last edition of Matchday Live, also pointed to a number of key injuries which have affected Chelsea.
Furthermore, Wright-Phillips also believes the Etihad fans will have their own crucial role to play on Saturday.
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“We’ve got a pretty much fully fit squad once everyone recovers from COVID whereas Chelsea are missing key players like Reece James and Ben Chilwell,” said the former England star who represented both City and Chelsea with great distinction.
“I do think that was when Chelsea were at their best. When people were talking about them being title contenders, they had those two (James and Chilwell) in there.
“The pair of them defend well and they create chances but now Chelsea are without them.
“We bullied them there at Stamford Bridge and this time I think us being at home will also be a big factor.
“When you are at home and the full crowd is behind you, as the saying goes, it really is like having that extra man.”
City host Chelsea at 12:30 (UK) on Saturday 15 January and we’ll have comprehensive coverage here on mancity.com and the official app.
Live updates begin in our Matchday Centre two hours before kick-off, whilst our Matchday Live show, with guests Shaun Goater and David James starts one hour before we get under way at the Etihad Stadium.
During the game you can listen to live audio commentary from Alistair Mann and Andy Morrison, whilst a match report and post-match reaction from players and Pep Guardiola will be available shortly after the final whistle.
You can watch highlights for free from 17:15 (UK) and CITY+ subscribers can also enjoy a full-match replay from midnight after the game.
