A 5 point lead at the top of the Premier League table, a home fixture to decide their fate in the title race with a date in the Capital one Cup final awaiting their arrival, Chelsea would be as confident as ever to wrap up the title race on Saturday evening at the Stamford Bridge.
Welcoming a Manchester City side that is without its lynchpin Yaya Toure in the midfield, Jose Mourinho’s men would have a mental advantage over the reigning Premier League Champions when the latter will travel to London on Saturday.
Talking about Manchester City and taking a look at their season so far, lack of squad fortifying in the summer hasn’t helped Manchester City in their bid to regain the Premier League title. And with history against them as they haven’t won back to back titles in their history, Manchester City would be fighting against the odds when they would go to re-energize their bid for a title race on Saturday.
Team News
Here are the team news for both sides: –
Chelsea
After the Liverpool match when Diego Costa was handed a 3-game ban which the Spaniard decided to contest against, FA has upheld their decision which means that the striker would only be able to watch the match from the sidelines.
Having scored 17 goals already and being a lynchpin for the Chelsea squad throughout this season, Chelsea are set to miss their prized asset on Saturday evening.
However, apart from Costa, Chelsea are facing a multitude of problems as the League leaders will be sweating over the fitness of both Branislav Ivanovic and Cesc Fabregas as the duo faces race against time to be fit for the weekend clash of the titans.
Even though Fabregas acquired this injury in their last match vs Liverpool, the Serbian Ivanovic played the Liverpool played the whole match after which he acquired the injury which might force him out of this fixture.
In terms of the players being sidelined for Jose Mourinho’s team, John Obi Mikel is set to miss this clash as the defensive midfielder is struggling to get back to first-team action after the head injury which he sustained last week.
Manchester City
Looking at the Manchester City squad and taking a brief look at their injury list, the Premier League Champions might have a full squad to choose from against Chelsea. Apart from Yaya Toure and Wilfried Bony both of whom are on National duty with Ivory Coast, Manuel Pellegrini might have a fully fit set of players to choose from against the reigning Premier League leaders.
However, even though Eliaquim Mangala is returning to the first team action, his lack of form may force Manuel Pellegrini to reduce the Frenchman’s role to the bench. Thus, Martin DeMichellis might well start in the Manchester City midfield along with Vincent Kompany.
Talking about their midfield and since the absence of Yaya Toure has left a gaping hole in the City midfield, Frank Lampard is expected to lineup against his former team with the Brazilian Fernandinho providing him the cover in defensive midfield role.
Stats
• Last season when both these sides met at Stamford Bridge, a Sergio Aguero opener was cancelled out as Chelsea won the match 2-1.
• In last 10 fixtures between these sides in all competitions, Chelsea have won 3 times with 6 victories for the Citizens.
• Last win for Manchester City at Stamford Bridge dates back to 2010 when the citizens would with a 4-2 final scoreline
• Highest ever goal-scoring fixture between these sides came in 1960 when a combined 9 goals were scored by both teams.
• Since Jose Mourinho’s reunion with Chelsea in the summer of 2013, Chelsea have lost just once at home in the Premier League.
Prediction
Looking at the tactical ability of both the managers and taking into account that both of them will be without their main players, a draw is the most likely result.
Chelsea Vs Manchester City will be played on 31 Jan, 2015 at Stamford Bridge on 18:30 GMT [MatchCentre]
Chelsea vs Manchester City: Preview, Stats and Team news
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