We are only just over the half way mark in this season's race for the Premier League title but Saturday's game at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea definitly feels like one of the most important games of the season. Chelsea lead City by five points but a win for the Citizens will blow the title race wide open. Both teams will be looking to bounce back from shock F.A.Cup exits last weekend.
Team News
Pellegrini would of been closely watching the Ivory Coasts game against Cameroon on wednesday in the African Cup Of Nations. Ivory Coast won so progress in the competion keeping Toure and new signing Bony away from the club for longer. Samir Nasri remains sidelined by a calf injury.
Cesc Fabregas (hamstring) and Filipe Luis (calf) are both doubts for Chelsea. Andre Schurrle and Mohamed Salah are likely to miss out as reports intensify of imminent moves for the out of favour pair. Diego Costa is set to miss the clash after being charged with violent conduct after a stamp on Liverpool's Emre Can. We will hear the judgement later today.
Stats
City have won just one of their last 16 league trips to Stamford Bridge – stretching back to January 1993.
Sergio Aguero is fit for this weekend fixture but has not scored in any of his last four City outings.
Combined, these two sides average 33.7 shots per game in the Premier League.
Man City have won 65%, drawn 25% and lost 10% of their last 20 away games.
Chelsea have won 85%, drawn 10% and lost 5% of their last 20 home games.