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

Manchester City welcome Chelsea to the Etihad Stadium today for what could well prove to be a defining game in this seasons title race.

City head into the game sitting second in the Premier League and now trail Arsenal by two points after their win on Sunday, so only a victory will see Manuel Pellegrini’s men move back to the summit. The visitors are three points further back in third and can move level on points with their rivals with an away win this evening, so it’s all to play for at the top of the table.

Jose Mourinho’s side have a tough job on their hands though as City have been formidable at home this season, winning all 11 of their league games, and have scored an incredible 42 goals already on home soil.

However, the Blues will take heart from the fact they won the reverse fixture 3-2 at Stamford Bridge, with a late mix up between Matija Nastasic and Joe Hart leading to a last minute winner from Fernando Torres.

Team News

City will have to make do without the services of Sergio Aguero after he limped off with a hamstring during the 5-1 win over Tottenham in midweek.

Alvaro Negredo is expected to return up front, but Stevan Jovetic is also pushing for a start having opened his league account on Wednesday night.

Pellegrini will also be without Javi Garcia and Samir Nasri, but is likely to stick with the majority of the side that performed so well at White Hart Lane.

Chelsea have no fresh injury concerns for the game and could include new signing Mohamed Salah in the squad for the first time if Mourinho feels he’s match fit, although he only began training with his new team mates on Friday following his move from FC Basel.

Samuel Eto’o is likely to continue up front in the absence of Fernando Torres despite miss-firing during the 0-0 draw with West Ham in midweek.

Nemanja Matic could make his second start in midfield since his move from Benfica last month while Willian is likely to start in attack along with Oscar and Eden Hazard.

Likely Line-Ups

Key Man

Yaya Toure: Toure will play a vital role in winning the midfield battle tonight. His dominant presence in the middle can be the catalyst for starting City attacks and Chelsea will have to find a way to stop the powerful Ivorian if they want to get a positive result.

Predicted Score

Man City 1-1 Chelsea: Mourinho has shown already this season at the Emirate and Old Tarfford that he’s the master at going to the tough away grounds and grinding out results, and we think he’ll come away with something again tonight.

What team would you like to see start the game and what’s your predicted score? Share your views below.