Manchester City vs Chelsea & Newcastle vs Southampton: Open Thread

Manchester City faces Chelsea today in a match that many are considering the race for second. Mathematically there’s still a chance for City to win the Premier League title, but the way that Manchester United are playing, it seems unlikely that the Red Devils will slip up.

Nevertheless, it’s a massive match for both Roberto Mancini and Rafa Benitez. And a big day for Gus Johnson, who will be commentating his first Premier League match for FOX Soccer.

Manchester City starting XI: Hart, Zabaleta, K Toure, Nastasic, Clichy, Garcia, Milner, Rodwell, Silva, Y Toure, Aguero. Subs: Pantilimon, Lescott, Kolarov, Nasri, Sinclair, Tevez, Dzeko.

Chelsea starting XI: Cech; Ivan, Cahill, Luiz, Cole; Mikel, Lampard; Ramires, Mata, Haz; Ba. Subs: Turnbull, Azpili, JT, Bert, Oscar, Moses, Torres

Mancini’s inclusion of Rodwell is a surprise particularly after the former Everton midfielder made some crucial mistakes earlier in the season.

For Chelsea, today is an opportunity for Frank Lampard to move close to equaling Bobby Tambling’s goalscoring record of 202 goals for the Blues. Lampard has scored 199.

Plus, kicking off at the same time is Newcastle United versus Southampton.

Before, during or after today’s match, follow the conversation in the comments section below.

Have a wonderful Sunday.