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

Manchester City welcome Chelsea to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon looking to keep alive their slim hopes of retaining their Premier League title.

Roberto Mancini’s men are clinging to the coat-tails of run-away leaders Manchester United after a run of three games without a win has seen City fall 15 points behind their rivals – who beat Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road on Saturday afternoon.

City were beaten 3-1 by Southampton last time out in the league but got back to winning ways with a 4-0 win over Leeds United in the FA Cup last weekend so Mancini will be hoping to build on that performance.

Chelsea arrive at the Etihad knowing victory would not only end City’s title dreams this season but would move the Londoners to within a single point of the hosts and put themselves very much in the frame for second place.

Rafa Benitez’ men will be confident they can resign City to only their second home defeat of the season with Chelsea boasting the second best away record in the division, and head into the game off the back of Thursday’s 1-1 draw with Sparta Prague that saw them qualify for the last 16 of the competition.

Team News

City are sweating on the fitness of captain Vincent Kompany with the defender struggling to overcome a calf problem that has kept him on the sidelines for the last four games. He will be given a late fitness test but is expected to return to partner Matija Nastasic in central defence.

Midfielder Gareth Barry is also a doubt with an ankle problem and could miss out, while Carlos Tevez is likely to start up front with Sergio Aguero in support.

Chelsea are expected to recall Frank Lampard and Branislav Ivanovic for the game after resting the duo in midweek. John Terry will be hoping to retain his place at the back while David Luiz could start in midfield.

Ashley Cole is also expected to be restored at left-back while Demba Ba should get the nod up front at the expense of Fernando Torres.

Likely Line-ups

Predicted Score

Man City have the upper-hand in recent times against Chelsea, winning their last three home games against the Blues. While both sides will be desperate for all three points we can see this one ending in a stalemate. Man City 1-1 Chelsea

What would be your starting line-up and what’s you score prediction for the game? Get involved in the comments section below.