David Silva believes Manchester City cannot afford to lose to Chelsea, when the two go head-to-head at the Etihad tomorrow afternoon, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Chelsea already sit five points clear of their title rivals, having gained a 100% winning record from their opening four Premier League fixtures.

A win at the Etihad tomorrow would see them move eight points clear of City, and even at this early stage Silva reckons it is a game his side cannot afford to lose.

“It is very important game,” he said. “They are first and have more points – we can’t lose on Sunday and allow the gap to open.

“It’s the early stages, there’s still a long way to go in the Premier League.

“Anything can happen – we need to win as otherwise the gap is starting to get too big.

“But the Premier League, until the last minute, you just don’t stop fighting and there’s still a long way to go.”

Chelsea have been boosted by the summer arrivals of Silva's fellow countryman Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa, with both having made a huge impact so far.

But Silva insists he is not phased by facing his international teammates.

“It’s Fabregas this weekend but also Santi Cazorla (at Arsenal) and Mata when we play United, so almost every game I’m against one of them", he said.

"But we are a strong team, we’ve got a big team and we have to win the game.

“Costa has made a huge impact. I think he has scored seven times so far and is important for Chelsea – not so good for us. They are a good team and we just have to go out and win.

“It’s not easy to adapt, but he (Costa) has done it very quickly. Fabregas knows the Premier League very well from being here before. Some players adapt faster than others but it’s never easy.”