In the biggest match of the season, and one that could go a long way in determining this season’s title winners, the league’s top two clash at Stamford Bridge on Saturday (live at 12:30pm ET on NBC for viewers in the United States).

Chelsea come into the match with a five point advantage and could go eight points clear with a win, something that would be very damaging to City’s title bid.

Jose Mourinho’s men overcame Liverpool in extra time in the Capital One Cup semifinal to secure a final date with Tottenham at Wembley on March 1, but the Blues were pushed for 120 minutes which could see fatigue take its toll on the players on the latter stages of the match.

City will be hoping they can use their advantage of having the fresher squad to get at Chelsea. Manuel Pellegrini’s men have endured poor form of late losing their last two games, but the Chilean knows his side simply must not lose to keep Chelsea within reach.

Pellegrini also asserted his belief that the title race will not be decided by the outcome of the game at Stamford Bridge.

“It’s a very important game, but not the game that will decide the title, because after that we have 45 points more to play for,” said the 61-year-old.

“Some years ago we saw that when this club won the title when they were eight points behind Manchester United [with six games to go].

“But it is an important game and it’s important for us to close that gap.”

Team News

Chelsea have concerns over the availability of Cesc Fabregas (hamstring), Branislav Ivanovic (foot) and Felipe Luis (calf) while Diego Costa starts a three match suspension after being charged for violent conduct by the Football Association for his stamp on Emre Can on Tuesday.

John Obi Mikel may be recalled into the starting lineup to help stifle the threat of David Silva while Didier Drogba is likely to lead the line for the Blues in the absence of Costa.

Manchester City on the other hand, have no new injury worries in the build up to this match. Samir Nasri is in line to make his comeback following surgery while Eliaquim Mangala has recovered from a shoulder injury and is contention to partner Vincent Kompany at the heart of the defense.

Sergio Aguero will spearhead the attack for the Citizens while Frank Lampard is also getting ready to face his former side in his first return to Stamford Bridge since leaving the club more than six months ago.