After winning a five goal thriller against Fulham, by the odd goal, Chelsea travel north to take on Stuart Pearce and his vastly improved Manchester City side.
Vital Quotes:
With so little time between each of the festive fixtures, it’s pleasing to see that, post the Fulham victory, Mourinho sung the praises of a player who has not often had the best of press from a manager who once promised to turn him into the new Deco, Joe Cole;
‘He’s been absolutely magnificent in every game recently. I think Joe Cole’s best position is to play from the wing. I prefer him there because I know what Joe can give. When I came here nobody knew what Joe’s best position was. Not even him’
Thankfully, that particular matter has now been put to bed and Joe is fast becoming as important in the line up as John Terry and Frank Lampard.
Manchester City Team News:
After losing a seven goal thriller, to Wigan Athletic, on Boxing Day, Stuart Pearce described his teams defending as comical. With the Premiership champions keen to hang on to their nine point lead at the top of the table, he’ll be hoping that his team cope better. However, you’ll have to be fearful for a defence that was stretched by the swift counter-attacking of Wigan when Chelsea, aided by the pace of Arjen Robben and the skill of Joe Cole, really are the current masters of such a ploy.
Player to watch: Joey Barton
Joey Barton has had something of a troubled career. Unsavoury incidents have often seen him on the verge of being disposed of by City. However, the youngster has knuckled down and has fast established a wonderful rapport with the City crowd. His never-say-die attitude has stood him in good stead when City have sometimes struggled. His boundless energy and eye for goal will be soemthing that Mourinho will have made his team aware of.
Chelsea Team News:
Chelsea travel to Manchester without the influential pair of Michael Essien and Ricardo Carvalho. Although Damien Duff and Asier Del Horno both missed the Boxing Day clash with Fulham both could feature in this fixture. If Asier passes a fitness test Mourinho could revert to a favoured back four of; Ferreira, Terry, Gallas and Del Horno. Despite his uncharacteristic error against Fulham, Petr Cech is likely to remain between the sticks.
In midfield Frank Lampard and Claude Makelele will be automatic choices with a `third spot being up for grabs due to Essien’s injury. Expect Eidur Gudjohnsen to fill it with possibly Geremi being an outsider for consideration.
Up front, Mourinho may well continue to rotate his strikers. Despite a fine goal against Fulham, Hernan Crespo may well find himself on the bench as Chelsea go for the unsettling power and bustle of Didier Drogba. Expect the Ivory Coast striker to be partnered by Joe Cole and Arjen Robben on the flanks.
Player to watch: Frank Lampard
Frank Lampard will thrive on the wide pitch at Eastlands. Look out for his non-stop powerful running and his late darts into the box to latch on to exquisite balls from the two wide men.
Match Facts & Stats
Chelsea failed to beat Manchester City on the two occassions they met last season. Indeed, Manchester City had the nerve to inflict Chelsea’s only Premiership defeat during our historic march towards the Premiership crown. Expect Chelsea to seek revenge for that blot on their copybook.
Match Prediction:
Stuart Pearce will have wound his team up after the reverse at Wigan, expect City to start fast but Chelsea will soak up the pressure and emerge as narrow winners, possibly by the odd goal in three. 2-1 to the boys from SW6.
Next Fixtures:
In a hectic festive period Chelsea entertain Birmingham City on New Years Eve (kick off 15:00 hours)