Manchester City host Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday as they aim to open up an early five point lead over their title rivals.
The Citizens were in sublime form last Monday as they brushed aside the threat of West Bromwich Albion with Yaya Toure, David Silva and Vincent Kompany on the scoresheet for the Manchester club.
Chelsea had a very different experience against Swansea last weekend as they were held to a 2-2 draw in front of their home supporters.
The major talking point to come out of that game was Mourinho’s outburst at his medical team over their impulsive move to treat a tired Eden Hazard in the last minute of the game, which meant the Belgian had to come off leaving the Blues vulnerable on the counter attack.
The media, of course, made a meal of the story with most singling out Chelsea doctor Eva Carneiro as the sole victim with little mention of the other Physio Jon Fearn when Mourinho’s criticism was in fact directed at both of them.
The Portuguese manager appeared unruffled in Friday’s press conference ahead of the game but he did confirm that both physios would not be on the bench on Sunday.
It remains to be seen if the turbulence from this week will affect the players performance of the players but you get the feeling Chelsea may just have made it harder for themselves.
With no such worries for the hosts, Manuel Pellegrini has had no distractions in his preparations for this game and he needs to prove that his side put in a serious title challenge this season after last year’s catastrophe.
KEY STAT: Manuel Pellegrini has just won twice in 13 meetings against Jose Mourinho.
Team News
Diego Costa should start again on Sunday after shaking off his hamstring injury to play the whole duration of the 2-2 draw against Swansea.
Thibaut Courtois is suspended after last weekend’s red card which means Asmir Begovic is going to make his first start for the visitors. Oscar (ankle) is also a doubt according to Mourinho.
For the hosts, Fabian Delph is still sidelined and will miss out on this one but Yaya Toure is expected to play after shaking off a knock suffered in the last match.
Sergio Aguero will be aiming to open his account of goals as he leads the attack once again for the Citizens while Wilfried Bony drops to the bench.
Predicted Lineups
