Man City vs Chelsea: Team News, Likely Line-ups & Predicted Score

Manchester City welcome Chelsea to the Etihad Stadium tonight in a clash that could go some way to determining where the title ends up.  If Man City win, they will set a Premier League record of 20 consecutive home victories but will face a Chelsea side who have a good league record at City, having won 10 of their last 14 visits. If you fancy Chelsea to cause an upset and become the first team to take points at the Etihad this season, www.betvictor.com are offering inciting odds of 10/3 for an away win.

City need victory to close the gap on leaders Man Utd to just one point after the Reds extended their lead at the top of the table to four points with a 5-0 win away to Wolves at the weekend. Chelsea are desperate for points themselves and need a result tonight to keep the pressure on fourth-placed Arsenal.

Mancini’s men will be looking avenge the 2-1 defeat they suffered at Stamford Bridge in December, which was their first of the season. City took an early lead though Balotelli but Meireles levelled before a late Lampard penalty won it after Gael Clichy had been sent off.

Team News

The big news ahead of the game is that according to Sky Sports News, Carlos Tevez is set to return after over 5 months in obscurity and could be on the bench tonight.

Roberto Mancini has defensive problems with Joleon Lescott out with a groin injury and Vincent Kompany also rated as doubtful. However, Pablo Zabaleta has recovered from a hamstring injury and midfielder Gareth Barry has also overcome a back complaint.

Chelsea captain John Terry misses out after being ruled out with a knee injury, but he should return in time to face Tottenham on Saturday.

The Blues have no further injury concerns but striker Fernando Torres is pushing for a league start after putting in a MOTM display against Leicester City in the FA Cup at the weekend.

Likely Line-ups

Predicted Score

Chelsea are a team reborn under Roberto Di Matteo and have now won their last four matches under the Italian, but he faces a tough task making it five from five tonight. City are formidable at home and have taken maximum points so far this season at the Etihad, but i can see the Londoners taking something from the game. Man City 1-1 Chelsea.

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