Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini sees this weekend's early-season clash with title rivals Chelsea as a 'must-win' encounter. Pellegrini's males are just four games inside their Barclays Premier League title defence, but already trail leaders Chelsea by five points.
The idea of falling eight points behind by losing with the Etihad Stadium is but one Pellegrini won't would like to contemplate. Recent results usually do not make good reading for City, that have not won in three in every competitions, but Pellegrini is working on turning statistics in their favour that has a victory.
City must have the opportunity to prevent Chelsea's in-form striker Diego Costa, who's hit the soil running at Stamford Bridge. The B£32million Spain international has scored seven in his first four Premier League appearances, including a hat-trick against Swansea last weekend.
Another summer signing, Cesc Fabregas, has created a big impression and quickly developed a risky understanding with Costa. City continue to be without striker Stevan Jovetic and midfielder Fernando as a result of injury, but Pellegrini is intending to unleash Sergio Aguero.
The Argentina forward has been used only sparingly this term when he is eased on action carrying out a group of muscle injuries from the second half of last season, such as the World Cup. Jose Mourinho places no significance on Chelsea's double success over City last season as he is constantly on the seek perfection.
Chelsea twice beat City inside Premier League - and lost 2-0 inside FA Cup - and then finish four points behind Pellegrini's men from the race for that title. The Blues came unstuck against 'lesser' opposition, but have started the existing campaign after having a summer strengthening exercise with four wins from four games and sit five points free of Sunday's opponents.
Chelsea's momentum was checked by Schalke in midweek because the Blues began their Champions League Group G campaign with a draw; City started theirs against German opposition also, losing at Bayern Munich. Costa will become for Chelsea, despite a hamstring problem. The striker, that has scored seven goals in four Premier League matches, only agreed to be an alternative in Wednesday's Champions League draw with Schalke and should not play a couple of full game per week at this time.
City must have the opportunity to prevent Chelsea's in-form striker Diego Costa, who's hit the soil running at Stamford Bridge. The B£32million Spain international has scored seven in his first four Premier League appearances, including a hat-trick against Swansea last weekend.
Another summer signing, Cesc Fabregas, has created a big impression and quickly developed a risky understanding with Costa. City continue to be without striker Stevan Jovetic and midfielder Fernando as a result of injury, but Pellegrini is intending to unleash Sergio Aguero.
The Argentina forward has been used only sparingly this term when he is eased on action carrying out a group of muscle injuries from the second half of last season, such as the World Cup. Jose Mourinho places no significance on Chelsea's double success over City last season as he is constantly on the seek perfection.
Chelsea twice beat City inside Premier League - and lost 2-0 inside FA Cup - and then finish four points behind Pellegrini's men from the race for that title. The Blues came unstuck against 'lesser' opposition, but have started the existing campaign after having a summer strengthening exercise with four wins from four games and sit five points free of Sunday's opponents.
Chelsea's momentum was checked by Schalke in midweek because the Blues began their Champions League Group G campaign with a draw; City started theirs against German opposition also, losing at Bayern Munich. Costa will become for Chelsea, despite a hamstring problem. The striker, that has scored seven goals in four Premier League matches, only agreed to be an alternative in Wednesday's Champions League draw with Schalke and should not play a couple of full game per week at this time.
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