Defence:
Pablo Zabaleta and Aleksander Kolarov will start in either wing back slots as both of them will be looking barge up front on every occasion and put pressure on Chelsea’s wingers not allowing any inch of space and making the field narrow and difficult for Chelsea to break. Vincent Kompany and Matija Nastasic (whose mistake allowed Chelsea to seal a 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season) should start as the centre back pairing for the Citizens as they have to deal with Chelsea’s triumvirate of Oscar, Hazard and Willian just behind the main striker. City hardly concede goals at home and once again will look to shut Chelsea down to bag full points and stomp their authority at the top of the table.
Midfield:
City’s biggest advantage and the main reason for their imperious run of form has been their personnel in the middle of the park thanks to Yaya Toure and Fernandinho. The Ivorian – Brazilian partnership is the engine of their team and can score goals too and drive their team forward whenever needed. They will look to sit on top of the London side’s midfield and with all their vision, power and amazing ability to keep running throughout the entire course of ninety minutes might just be the deciding factor. David Silva should start on the left flank and look to dart inside while his fellow International team mate Jesus Navas will play wide on the right and make the pitch as wide as possible.