The reigning champions' defence of their Premier League title has faded in recent weeks and a run of three games without a win has seen City now has an outside chance of retaining their title. Roberto Mancini was extremely critical of his players after the 3-1 defeat at Southampton in their last league game and he was glad that they bounced back in the 4-0 victory over Leeds United in the FA Cup last weekend to maintain an impressive home record.
So far this season only Manchester United have won at the Etihad stadium and City have won the last three home games against Chelsea ahead of this encounter. However, Chelsea had won nine of their previous 10 visits to City and another victory on Sunday would see Rafa Benitez's side move to within a point of City in second place.
Chelsea also have the second best away record in the Premiership this season and Benitez will be hoping to build on reaching the fifth round of the FA Cup and last 16 of the Europa League in the past week to inspire them to a good result here today. Benitez knows it is virtually impossible to win the title now but overhauling City for second is within reach and he would want his side to come away with all three points here.
For the record, Manchester City have not failed to win four games in a row since November 2009 when they drew seven in a row, a run that led to Mark Hughes being dismissed as manager.
Carlos Tevez featured against Leeds after missing the Southampton defeat on compassionate grounds and he should start again alongside Sergio Aguero in attack.
ChelseaTeam News :Chelsea will bring Frank Lampard and Branislav Ivanovic back into the team after the duo were rested for the Europa League draw against Sparta Prague which sealed their progress further into the competition.
Ashley Cole will also be restored to the starting line-up, while Rafa Benitez must decide which two of Gary Cahill, David Luiz and John Terry will feature at centre half. Demba Ba is available again after being cup-tied for the 1-1 draw against Sparta on Thursday and he is pushing to replace Fernando Torres in attack.
Via: Hertha BSC Berlin - 1. FC Kaiserslautern [Live Football]
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