The two sides will face off in a game portended, at least at season's build-up, to be a head-to-head clash between the league's 2 runaway favourites for the title. The accuracy of that prediction is still to be determined in the coming months of course, but this is regardless a huge match for each of the sides, both eager to one-up the other at first opportunity as the season - and the table - are just starting to take shape.











Both sides go into this match on the back of victories at the weekend prior. Chelsea came back from 0-1 down to newly-promoted Cardiff City at Stamford Bridge to ultimately stuff the Welsh side 4-1 via a first Chelsea goal from Samuel Eto'o, a terrific strike from in-form Oscar, and a brace from Eden Hazard. City, likewise, registered an ultimately comfortable victory as they traveled to Upton Park to face off against West Ham, whom they beat 3-1 to obtain only their first away victory of the season.











Former La Liga rivals Mourinho of Real Madrid and Pellegrini of Malaga also go head to head for the first time in their new geographic stomping ground, and both will doubtless be anxious to draw first blood against his familiar adversary.











The sides last met in the semifinals of the FA Cup last season in a controversy-charged match that saw Rafa Benitez's Chelsea beaten by eventual losing finalists City. City were in large control throughout the first half and finally broke through on 35 minutes through Samir Nasri, before Sergio Aguero scored less than 2 minutes into the second half to double the Sky Blues' lead. An acrobatic goal from Demba Ba just over 20 minutes from time gave the Blues hope, but proved ultimately just a consolation, and Chelsea were condemned to their first ever defeat at the new Wembley. The talking points following the match surrounded Sergio Aguero's malicious stomp on David Luiz, as well as Vincent Kompany's clear foul on Fernando Torres in the box at 2-1 - both uncalled by the referee and linesmen on the day - and the Blues will surely have revenge on their minds, especially with it being almost 2 years since their last victory over City, who've very much become one of Chelsea's bogey sides in recent times.










Chelsea manager Mourinho was sent to the stands by referee Anthony Taylor during the Blues' home game against Cardiff City on Saturday after excoriating the referee over the visitors' persistent time-wasting, resulting in a charge for improper conduct by the FA. The Portuguese has not, however, contested the charge, meaning he is likely only to pay a fine and will not incur a touchline ban, which would, of course, have included this game whatever the length.











Most notable doubtfuls for the match are defensive duo Ashley Cole for Chelsea and Vincent Kompany for City. Also in question for either side are André Schurrle, who was pictured with ice on his ankle after being subbed off in Chelsea's 3-0 win over Schalke in Germany mid-week, as well as Martin Demichelis and Jack Rodwell.

I am slightly worried about this game but we are in decent form so I think we'll get the win here.

Kompany out is fantastic news for us. They're no where near as strong without him. No Tevez either which is great news! I really want us to put all of our efforts into this game and not worry about Arsenal after it.

Hopefully we see Mazarcar and Eto'o or Torres. Bertrand should start too.

I think this is the hardest game in the PL for like 2-3 years now. A draw would make me happy, a win would make me jizz!

Forgot to include this in the preview.

·

:\

Not sure I want Webb to reff the game tbh.

Nonsense!


Super Howie

I'd rather have someone else.

No, I am not really a fan of any EPL reff's but I don't like playing Manchester teams with Webb.

Webbo is a United fan. He'll ensure their biggest rivals are defeated come Sunday

I am not so sure.

Well get sure

Sure.

 

Eden Hazard wary of Manchester City with Vincent Kompany returning:
'When Kompany plays they win', warns Hazard
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/oct/24/eden-hazard-chelsea-manchester-city-kompany

"Kompany is really important for City because when he plays they win and when he doesn't play they lose, often. We know his quality and we're lucky to have him in the Belgium team. I prefer to play with players like that than against them."

· · · ·

Great news, tbh.

City manager Manuel Pellegrini refusing to be dragged into playing mind games with Chelsea boss José Mourinho:
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11668/8991190/manchester-city-manager-manuel-pellegrini-refuses-to-play-mind-games

The pair have history dating back to their time in Spain, where the Portuguese replaced Pellegrini at Real Madrid after finishing second to Barcelona with a record number of points.

Mourinho announced, "Second place is just the first loser. If Madrid were to fire me, I wouldn't go to Malaga. I'd go to a top-level team in Italy or England."

But Pellegrini is not interested in revisiting past disagreements as they come face-to-face again in England for the first time on Sunday.

"I never get involved in the moment and I will not get involved now," he said.

"I don't know him. He worked in Spain, I worked in another club."

"We played Real Madrid against Malaga. Nothing more, I don't have any complaint about him."

Asked whether they were very different characters Pellegrini added: "Maybe (we have) a different way of thinking about life."

Why fight a losing battle, eh? · · #amateur

Jose

Kompany out is a huge boost for us.

I still can't call it. City has their defensive problems and we've got our striker problems.

I actually think it'll mirror our recent top team matches, a draw.

You could be right

It will be a great match to watch. I'm trying to find a stream because EPL in my country isn't transmitted.  

MAN CITY XI: Hart, Zabaleta, Demichelis, Nastasic, Clichy, Garcia, Fernandinho, Nasri, Yaya Toure (C), Silva, Aguero