It’s not often that you have a title race six-pointer in January, but with Manchester City sitting five points behind Chelsea on top of the Premier League table and no one else within ten points, that’s exactly what we have.
Chelsea vs. Manchester City live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch the EPL online
The biggest match of the weekend is a first versus second bout to see if Manchester City can close the gap on Chelsea in the Premier League.
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Chelsea will be itching to get back to form after two not-entirely-convincing matches against Liverpool in the League Cup sandwiched an embarrass loss to Bradford in the FA Cup. They did curb-stomp Swansea 5-0 in their last league match, but nothing since then has been exactly confidence-inspiring for the Blues.
City aren't a lot better off, winless since January fourth and coming off the heels of two straight gut-punch losses, to Middlesbrough in the FA Cup and to Arsenal in the league. They'll be eager to right the ship and make a huge statement by stomping Chelsea if they can, which will be especially impressive on the London club's home turf.
Key player - Loic Remy (Chelsea)
With Diego Costa suspended for violent conduct, the onus of responsibility for Chelsea's goalscoring up top falls on Remy's shoulders. He's only made one start and scored two goals in the league before today, but he has the pure talent to carry the load in the short term. That is why Chelsea brought him in, after all. This is going to be a pretty big first test for the Frenchman, and how he responds to it will be a major determining factor in the end result of this match.
Key Matchup - Nemanja Matic (Chelsea) vs. David Silva (Manchester City)
Both sides rely on different forms of midfield control, and their keys to that control will be going head to determine the flow of play. Silva’s silky skill in possession and Matic’s physical control will be a fascinating cog of this match to watch unfold, especially as the offensive Silva and the defensive Matic are both sorely under-rated in the opposite aspect of their games. Whoever can gain the upper hand in this one-on-one faceoff can help dictate the entire flow of the match, and that will give his side a serious advantage.
Chelsea injuries and suspensions
Out: Diego Costa (suspended) In doubt: Branislav Ivanovic (ankle), Filipe Luis (calf), Cesc Fabregas (hamstring), Andre Schurrle (back), John Obi Mikel (head)
Manchester City injuries and suspensions
Out: Yaya Toure (AFCON), Wilfried Bony (AFCON) In doubt: Eliaquim Mangala (shoulder), Samir Nasri (calf)
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 5:30 P.M. local, 12:30 P.M. ET
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London, England
TV: NBC (U.S. - English), Mun2 (U.S. - Spanish), Sportsnet World (Canada), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), Sky GO (U.K.)
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