Manchester City's clash with Chelsea on Monday night is quite possibly the single biggest game of the Premier League season so far, with these sides the two favourites to take the title. On paper the advantage is with the Citizens, who are currently just a couple of points adrift of league leaders Arsenal and who have dropped just a couple of points in the last 36.
Manchester City vs. Chelsea: Preview and TV schedule
The two Premier League favourites go head-to-head at the Etihad on Monday, with Manchester City hosting Chelsea.
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Chelsea may be three points further back but have the advantage of José Mourinho, who’s always capable of squeezing the very best from his players -- especially on the big occasions. Indeed, City suffered one of their four Premier League defeats this season in the reverse fixture, so definitely aren’t expected to cruise to victory here.
That's even more the case with star striker Sergio Agüero sidelined through a hamstring problem, while Samir Nasri, James Milner and Javi García also all injured. Chelsea's injury concerns are rather less problematic, with Marco van Ginkel and Fernando Torres their only unavailable players.
Manchester City injuries and suspensions
Out: James Milner (groin), Samir Nasri (knee), Javi García (unspecified), Sergio Agüero (hamstring). In doubt: None.
Chelsea injuries and suspensions
Out: Marco van Ginkel (knee), Fernando Torres (knee). In doubt: None.
Projected lineups
Manchester City: Joe Hart; Gaël Clichy, Martín Demichelis, Vincent Kompany, Pablo Zabaleta; David Silva, Fernandinho, Yaya Touré, Jesús Navas; Álvaro Negredo, Edin Džeko.
Chelsea: Petr Čech; Cesar Azpilicueta, John Terry, Gary Cahill, Branislav Ivanović; Ramires, Nemanja Matić, Frank Lampard; Eden Hazard, Samuel Eto'o, Willian.
Match Date/Time: Monday, 8 p.m. local, 3 p.m. ET
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England
TV: NBCSN, Mun2 (U.S.), TSN2 (Canada), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S.), Sky Go (U.K.)
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