Chelsea v Manchester City: There will be blue blood spilt in Premier League battle

THIS weekend, the Premier League’s big two face off in a huge clash that could go a long way to deciding who wears the crown — and it’s only January.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 21: Pablo Zabaleta of Manchester City is separated from Diego Costa of Chelsea by his team-mates during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on September 21, 2014 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

THIS weekend, Chelsea and Manchester City face off in a huge clash that could go a long way to deciding the Premier League title — and it’s only January.

With this season’s two-horse race the margin for error are so fine, three points from a victory/defeat could be a deciding factor in where the Premier League trophy is finally held aloft.

With that in mind, let’s look at the factors that could tip the balance to the sky or navy blue …

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Diego Costa looks likely to miss the game after his stamp on Liverpool’s Emre Can.

COSTA CONTROVERSY

Diego Costa will miss the game against Manchester City — unless the FA overturns his violent conduct charge from the controversial stamping incident in the midweek Capital One Cup semi-final against Liverpool.

The Spain striker has had his hearing fast-tracked to Friday to ensure the outcome is reached before the Saturday game against City.

At this point, it appears highly unlikely the FA will change their mind — and the decision has already riled Jose Mourinho to the point that he cancelled his Friday media conference, something that could land the Chelsea manager with another fine after his remarks about a “campaign” against Chelsea.

Costa’s absence would be a massive blow to the Blues, the striker having scored 17 goals in 19 appearances for the Blues already this season. Didier Drogba would probably lead the line in his stead, something that would allow the City backline to get a much better sleep the night before.

CUP TOLL

Where to begin? Both the top two have endured a roller-coaster few weeks, particularly in the Cup.

Victory over Liverpool went some way to easing the hurt of the humiliating 4-2 FA Cup defeat to Bradford at Stamford Bridge — but a result like that also leaves a scar. Mourinho rarely attacks his own team but even he called the performances disgraceful after the shock loss to the League One side.

And despite beating Liverpool, the Blues could have done without going to extra-time in what was a frantic and physical cup tie.

Of course, City didn’t escape the FA Cup chop either, with Middlesbrough handing the champions a humbling home defeat, just a week after they were also well beaten by Arsenal on their own turf.

A week’s break hands City an advantage — but are they ready to bounce back from two terrible performances?

MISSING IN ACTION

It’s safe to say nobody in Manchester wanted Ivory Coast to progress in the African Cup of Nations this week. How City have missed Yaya Toure’s driving presence in the middle of the park.

Despite repeated doubts over the 31-year-old’s commitment to the club, there can be no doubt of the effect he has on the team.

New recruit Wilfried Bony will also miss the game, another big miss for City who could have done with the striker’s muscular presence to upset the not-completely settled Chelsea backline.

For the home side, Cesc Fabregas remains big doubt for the game, after leaving the Liverpool game early with a hamstring twinge.

The Spaniard, who has provided 15 assists for Chelsea already this season, took part in a light training session on Thursday but his participation is yet to be confirmed.

The two shades of blue for Frank Lampard.

LAMPARD’S RETURN

The last time Frank Lampard faced his former club, he scored the goal that rescued a point for City at the Etihad — but refused to celebrate the goal.

Now the 36-year-old finally returns to Stamford Bridge, the emotions will be running high for everyone. The Chelsea fans present at that game earlier in the season were happy to sing his name — but will they be so forgiving should he repeat the trick back in London?

Without Toure, Lampard’s experience could be vital in the middle of the park against a vibrant and dynamic Chelsea midfield and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him add to his tally of seven goals for his new club.

Both Jose Mourinho and Manuel Pellegrini have endured recent Cup upsets.

LEAGUE FORM

How did we even get to this point? In November Chelsea’s impressive start to the season had them eight points ahead of City — only for the Manchester club to claw that difference back to goal difference by the beginning of the new year. On January 1, Chelsea were still on top — but only on alphabetical superiority, with both teams having identical records.

Since then, however, City have somehow allowed that gap to stretch back to five points, despite having the better recent league record. In the past 10 games, Chelsea have won six, lost two and drawn two, while City have won seven, lost one and drawn two.

Having reined Chelsea in once, City should have the belief they can do it again - but Jose Mourinho will be just as determined not to leave the back door open again.

Chelsea are still unbeaten at home in the league and have only conceded three goals at Stamford Bridge, while City boast the competition’s best away record, with seven victories on the road with 25 goals scored — more than they’ve managed at the Etihad.

Both teams have taken big blows in the past couple of weeks, so expect them to come out swinging at each other. These are now the Premier League’s big two — and this game won’t finish without blue blood being spilt.

Originally published as Chelsea v Manchester City: There will be blue blood spilt in Premier League battle