As the end of the season approaches, each match takes on growing importance. That is especially true of this one, where Chelsea host Manchester City in a match that could, come the end of the season, have a profound impact on the race in the top four of the Premier League.
Chelsea vs. Manchester City 2016 live stream: Start time, TV schedule and how to watch online
The end of the season approaching means that there’s a lot on the line for all the teams in the top four race, and a loss for Manchester City would be problematic at best.
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Chelsea fans will be feeling good about things coming into this match, having just beaten Manchester City 5-1 in the FA Cup two months ago. Even though Chelsea’s long unbeaten run in the league came to an abrupt end last week, fans and players alike will look at that recent triumph as cause for optimism coming into this match, especially with it being played at Stamford Bridge. A win like that over a team that, in most years, would be a direct competitor in the top four would be a huge boost to Chelsea’s confidence in a season that’s seen them struggle at incredible levels.
What’s at stake
There’s not much on the line for Chelsea other than trying to continue their slow crawl up the EPL rankings. Things would have to break pretty crazily in order for them to have a chance at cracking the top four, or even finishing fifth to snag a Europa League place. Still, a win could see Chelsea move up to ninth in the table with a finish as high as seventh within the realm of genuine possibility, and that’s a massive improvement from where they were just a few short months ago.
That said, they could play spoilers to Manchester City’s goals, and that’s always something a team languishing in mid-table will look forward to when they can. Manchester’s goals right now are twofold -- keep getting wins to chase Arsenal for third place and the last guaranteed ticket to the Champions League group stage, and keep getting wins to keep Manchester United at bay as their cross-town rivals try to get into the top four themselves. A loss right now would be a major blow to each of those goals -- and Chelsea would be more than happy to ruin Manchester’s day if they can.
Chelsea injuries and suspensions
Out: John Terry, Willian, Kurt Zouma, Loic Remy In doubt: Nemanja Matic, Eden Hazard, Gary Cahill, Robert Kenedy
Manchester City injuries and suspensions
Out: David Silva In doubt: Vincent Kompany, Raheem Sterling
Match Date/Time: Sat., 12:30 p.m. ET, 5:30 p.m. local
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London, England
TV: NBC
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra
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