Chelsea face Manchester City at the Etihad in what will probably go down as the biggest game of the half season. It’s first vs second when you go by last season’s standings, and though Manchester City have made a brighter start than the Blues this season, there is still plenty of room for change.

City midfielder Yaya Toure is fit despite being substituted at West Brom because of a slight groin problem. As for striker Sergio Aguero, it is still unclear whether the Argentine will feature. Let’s hope not! Gael Clichy may return to the side, but Fabian Delph and Fernando are both out.

As for Chelsea, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will serve his one-match ban and looks set to be replaced by summer signing Asmir Begovic. Oscar is doubtful after suffering a minor injury in training, and could be replaced by Ramires.

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini had this to say on the game:

“I said the first day I arrived here I have my differences with him [Jose Mourinho] but I always shake hands with him.”

“We are not thinking about the title in the second game but we are thinking about trying to win our points at home, especially as we are playing against the champions and one of the teams that has a lot of chances to win the title.”

The Chelsea boss said this:

“We are speaking about 38 matches. It is an eternity, a marathon that started last week.”

“I cannot say [this match] is not crucial, I cannot say it’s not very, very, very important.”

“They are title contenders so three points are important, but I cannot say that a win will mean anything significant.”

[Quotes via BBC Sport]