Freshly eliminated from the UEFA Champions League, the Citizens travel to Stamford Bridge on Sunday, where the hosts are facing managerial problems of their own.
Form Guide:
Chelsea:
The Blues have endured a week to forget after handing the sack to coach Roberto Di Matteo for a series of below par performances. A weekend loss against West Bromwich Albion incurred the wrath of Russian owner, Roman Abramovich, but the businessman waited
and pounced after Chelsea failed to defeat Juventus in the UEFA Champions League.
Now faced with the possibility of going out in the group stages, only months after conquering Europe, the club is in dire need of stability and for that Abramovich has chosen Rafa Benitez, who will have his first game in-charge on Sunday.
Manchester City:
While their opponents may be struggling with problems of their own, City themselves were ridiculed by Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium and were eventually cast out of Europe’s premier competition at the very first hurdle.
With neighbors Manchester United going through comfortably, the thought of exiting will be a sore one for the ones, but Roberto Mancini can count on the team’s League form for a chance of silverware.
Currently on top in the Premier League, the Italian tactician will be hoping that it can stay that way after taking a trip to London this weekend.
Team News:
Chelsea:
New manager Rafa Benitez will be looking forward to welcoming the reigning champions but with influential stars http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Frank-Lampard-c14097 out with injuries, the tactician will look to name his strongest line-up possible.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Oscar-c28720 and Jon Obi Mikel will be given nods in midfield.
Juan Mata and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Eden-Hazard-c11863 failed to light up in Turin, but will be hoping that they can get started quickly under the new management.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Liverpool-c39809 and the striker can look forward to plenty of game time under the Spaniard’s reign.
Manchester City:
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Roberto-c31294 Mancini has been searching for silverware this term and with the UEFA Champions League now ruled out, the coach will be eager to come out on top against Chelsea.
The Italian has a number of players out injured, but the majority of his stars will be raring to go. After having tried http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Mancini-c23323 will be hoping that his midfield can resume their normal potency on the weekend.
Yaya Toure will look to partner http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Vincent-Kompany-c36184 and Gael Clichy in its midst.
The star studded attack will be led by Kun Aguero and his fellow compatriot http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Carlos-c8346 Tevez, who was on the bench against Los Blancos.
Key Players:
Chelsea: Rafael Benitez
Not so often does a manager get flagged with the spotlight, but http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786’s record of sacking managers, one will have to wait and see whether the Spaniard cuts the mark or is shown the door in the next few months.
Manchester City: Carlos Tevez
The Argentine will have a point to prove after being rested against Madrid and with his goal scoring abilities, could be the one to win it for City.
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