Probable Lineups...
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Courtois, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta, Fabregas, Matic, Willian, Hazard, Oscar, Diego Costa
Chelsea managed to beat Liverpool in a thrilling Capital One Cup semi-final on Tuesday, however, the game will be remembered by the fact that star striker Diego Costa planted two stamps on Emre Can and then Martin Skrtel. The incidents weren't witnessed by the referees, and now the Spain international has been hit by a three-match ban after challenging the violent conduct charge on Friday. Manager Jose Mourinho will now use either one of Loic Remy or Didier Drogba to lead the line against City on Saturday, with the more experienced Drogba expected to get the call. Mourinho is also sweating on the fitnesses of Cesc Fabregas and Branislav Ivanovic, who both sustained minor knocks in their win over the Reds.
Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Hart, Zabaleta, Demichelis, Kompany, Clichy, Fernando, Fernandinho, Navas, Silva, Milner, Aguero
Manchester City, like their opponents Chelsea this Saturday, were disappointingly knocked out of the FA Cup by lower league opposition last weekend, with Manuel Pellegrini's men losing to a more hungry Middlesbrough side at the Etihad. The champions will, however, be buoyed by the news that Blues star striker Diego Costa will miss the game due to a violent conduct charge, making it a slightly easier ask to cut Chelsea's lead at the top of the table down from five points. Pellegrini will, however, be without star midfielder Yaya Toure and January signing Wilfried Bony, with both players representing the Ivory Coast in the African Nations Cup knock-out stages. Fernando and Fernandinho are set to continue in their double pivot role in midfield behind David Silva, with Sergio Aguero leading the line at Stamford Bridge. Frank Lampard could also make an appearance for the Citizens back at his old stomping ground.
What the fans are saying...
Remember this?
I wonder what the odds are for Chelsea to score six goals against Manchester City again this weekend...