On Sky
It`s off to the north-west this weekend to take on the reigning Premier League champions in their own back yard. It`s a case of second in the table (them) against third in the table (us). Can Rafa Benitez orchestrate the win that would signal our intentions to take second place off of City as we head towards the final stages of the season or will City have too much for us? Only time will tell!
Vital Quotes:
Although the Premier League title looks to be out of our grasp, Petr Cech believes that City might be feeling the pressure and that second place could still be achieved with the keeper remarking ahead of the clash,
“This season has been a new situation for City as there are a lot of players in their squad who have never been in the position of having to defend a title before.”
“It is always easier to win a first league title than to defend it as you become the team everyone wants to beat.”
“You can see City are a way behind United and the pressure is on them.”
“And they have to fight with that.”
“If we can win this game we`ll be only one point behind them. So second place is still more than possible for us.”
“We need to win this game to get closer to them and to get some advantage on the teams who are following us.”
City Team News:
Roberto Mancini is perfectly aware that his side need the three points on offer in this fixture if his side are to maintain a title challenge. For this fixture Mancini is sweating on the availability of Gareth Barry and Vincent Kompany. The former has an ankle injury and the latter a calf injury.
Player to watch: Joe Hart
England`s number one has made a few gaffs in recent weeks, hopefully he`ll make another this weekend and one from which we can benefit.
Chelsea Team News:
Rafa Benitez rested several players for the Europa League clash with Sparta Prague. On Thursday night, Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard, Branislav Ivanovic, David Luiz and Demba Ba were all rested, we expect most to start at the Etihad.
On the injury front only Oriol Romeu is unavailable and as for suspension, there are none.
Player to watch: Juan Mata
The Spaniard has been in imperious form this season and Chelsea play far better when he`s on the pitch, hopefully he`ll outshine his Spanish compatriot David Silva.
Match Facts & Stats
If we`re going to get anything from Manchester City this weekend we`re going to have to reverse a trend. Our last three visits to the Etihad Stadium have ended in defeat, although, overall the statistics do favour us with Chelsea winning 10 of their 15 visits.
But, in the last eight fixtures, in all competitions, City have the edge having won 58, including the Community Shield, at Villa Park, back in August, my, that seems an age ago.
Ref Watch:
The officials for this encounter are:-
Referee – A. Marriner
Assistant – D. England
Assistant – D. Cann
Fourth Official – M. Jones
Match Prediction:
I`m going to be totally honest and admit that this fixture worries me. I see this game going either of two ways. We could stride into the Etihad Stadium, hit top for and stick another nail in City`s hopes of retaining the title or we could turn up, perform in the lacklustre way we often do and get our backsides kicked. If we win tomorrow I`ll be as delighted as the next man but my heart and heart tell me the best we`ll come away with is a draw.
Next Fixtures:
Our next fixture is in the 5th round of the FA Cup, a trophy we are defending, with Chelsea making the long midweek trip to take on Middlesbrough.