Match Preview: City vs. Chelsea

Roberto Mancini goes into this weekend's top of the table clash with third placed Chelsea facing selection problems. With a fully fit squad to choose from Mancini goes into the tie with Chelsea looking for his first win in the league since January 19th where his side picked up a 2-0 victory over Fulham, more than one month ago.

Robinho scoring on his City debut in 2008

Since the victory against Fulham in January, City have continued their impressive form in the FA Cup having seen past Stoke and Leeds to set up a quarter final showdown with championship strugglers Barnsley. Some abysmal form in the league with a defeat to Southampton and draws with Queens Park Rangers and Liverpool respectively have seen champions City fall twelve points behind bitter city rivals Manchester United in the title race.

Chelsea themselves go into the game with some topsy tuvry form also. Having picked up just two wins in the same period, last seaons European Champions would surly have City looking over their shoulders should Benitez' men manage to get a result at the Etihad for the first time since Brazilian starlet Robinho's City debut way back in September 2008.



City go into the tie with a fully fit squad to choose from. Skipper Vincent Kompany is expected to return to the side in which he has been out since damaging his calf in the FA Cup fourth round tie with Stoke away at the Britannia four weeks ago. The return to form of star striker Sergio Aguero is both very promising for City, yet frightening for Chelsea. With three goals in his last three games, Aguero will be trying to help City beat Chelsea for the second time this season, after City beat Chelsea in August to claim the Charity Shield on a warm summer's afternoon at Villa Park.

Chelsea travel to Manchester with a fully fit squad to choose from with the exception of Oriol Romeu. The return of skipper John Terry will no doubt tighten the Chelsea defence that has lacked leadership in the absence of Terry. The form of Frank Lampard is also one that will need to be monitored by City's midfield if they are to overcome the challenge of Chelsea. January signing Demba Ba and Juan Mata will cause concern for City's defence, however City still should come out on top of Sunday's clash with the European Champions and increase the gap between second and third.

Predicted Team: 

Prediction: City 1 Chelsea 1. Can't see City failing not to score against Chelsea, but I also fancy the inform European Champions to cause a threat to City's strong defence. A score draw seems the most likely.