Where:
Stamford Bridge, London, UK
When:
12:30 PM EST, 5:30 PM in the UK
Where Can I Watch It:
NBC in the US and Sky Sports 1 in the UK
Team News:
Chelsea:
Today’s announcement that Diego Costa will be receiving a 3 match ban for stamping on Emre Can during the recent Capitol One Cup semifinal against Liverpool is definitely a hard pill to swallow for Jose Mourinho. He now is stuck with the choice of Didier Drogba, who is not the player he was when he left Chelsea the first time, or Loic Remy, who is not on the same level as Costa. It is expected that he will choose Drogba’s experience and presence over Remy’s athleticism. Cesc Fabregas, Filipe Luis, and Branislav Ivanovic all received knocks during the game against Liverpool and will receive late fitness tests. Ivanovic is expected to be declared fit.
Manchester City:
Samir Nasri, who has missed the last two games with a calf injury, and Eliaquim Mangala, who has a shoulder injury, will both receive fitness tests and could both feature in this title clash. Wilfred Bony and Yaya Toure are still away at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Last Meeting:
The last meeting between the two title chasers ended in a thrilling 1-1 draw. The goals were scored by Andre Schurrle at the 71st minute for Chelsea and former Chelsea legend Frank Lampard in the 85th minute.
Things to Watch For:
Watch for another appearance of Frank Lampard in the supersub role that he has been extremely impressive in this season. It may break Chelsea fans’ hearts to see their former hero score in their home stadium, but it seems written in the stars. Expect a spirited display out of him regardless.
Expected Lineups:
Chelsea (4-2-3-1):
Thibaut Courtois
Branislav Ivanovic—-John Terry—-Gary Cahill—-Cesar Azpilicueta
Nemanja Matic—-Ramirez
Eden Hazard——-Oscar———-Willian
Didier Drogba
Manchester City (4-2-3-1):
Joe Hart
Pablo Zabaleta—Vincent Kompany—Eliaquim Mangala—Gael Clichey
Fernando—-Fernandinho
David Silva——-Samir Nasri———-Jesus Navas
Sergio Aguero
