Perhaps this fixture is not as big as the previous week's encounter at Arsenal. Nevertheless, this represents quite a significant point in our season. A win would see Chelsea emerge from an eight-game stretch in which it recorded wins over its three Big 4 rivals and a Big 4 wannabe. The Blues won't encounter a similarly difficult stretch until the final seven weeks of the term. This is critical.
City have drawn a Premier League record seven consecutive matches. Examining each club's form, you'd think Adebayor & Co. would settle for an eighth in a row. However, the club recorded a comfortable 3-0 victory over Arsenal's reserves midweek in the Carling Cup quarterfinals. Conversely, Chelsea were eliminated from the League Cup via a hard-working Blackburn side on penalties. Will this serve as motivation? We can hope.
Manchester City
Doubtful: Bellamy (knee), Ireland (knee), Petrov (knee), Weiss (virus), Wright-Phillips (ankle)
Injured: None
Suspended: None
Last six matches: DDDDDD
Discipline: 15 yellow; 1 red Y15 R1
Leading scorers: Adebayor, Bellamy 5
Chelsea
Doubtful: A Cole (thigh)
Injured: Hutchinson (groin), Sturridge (knee), Alex (groin), Kalou (thigh), Bosingwa (knee)
Suspended: None
Last six matches: WWWWWL
Discipline: 16 yellow; 1 red
Leading scorer: Drogba 11
Probably XI:
Cech
Ivanovic-Carvalho-Terry-A. Cole
Mikel
Essien-Deco-Lampard
Anelka-Drogba