The title race will be intensified early in the campaign as last season's top two sides go head to head in what promises to be a scintillating encounter. Whereas Jose Mourinho has managed to sway away the attention away from the match and towards first team doctor Eva Carneiro who he criticized after incidents in the match against Swansea, this game could go far to decide who wins the title.
Injury news
Man City have no fresh injury concerns however Ivory Coast international Yaya Toure is reportedly suffering from a tight groin after the match against West Brom. The 32 year old put forth a star performance last time out which saw him scoring two goals. Man City fans will be delighted to have their talismanic midfielder back in form and will be hoping he can prove his worth against Chelsea.
Sergio Aguero who came off the bench in City's opening fixture of the season has claimed that he might not be fit enough to start against Chelsea and has claimed he will take his time to return to the starting line-up to ensure he does not aggravate his injury.
"Whether I start or not remains to be seen," Aguero told City's official website.
"I'm trying to get there and be in top condition but arriving for pre-season later, having taken part in the Copa America with Argentina, means I need some additional time.
"With the whole season in mind, what matters the most is that I get in top form and don't take any risks."
Chelsea on the other hand have no injury concerns but will be without first choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois who received his marching orders after denying Bafetimbi Gomis a goal scoring opportunity. Summer signing Asmir Begovic is thus poised to start his first competitive match for the club.
Important stats
- The Citizens have not enjoyed much luck against Chelsea in recent games having managed victories in just two of the last nine games between the two sides.
- Chelsea have not suffered a defeat in the month of August in their last 28 fixtures, having won 23 of them. Their last defeat in the league in the month of August came in 2006 against Middlesbrough, a match they lost 2-1.
- Jose Mourinho has an upper hand over his counterpart on Sunday, having defeated Manuel Pellegrini seven times in 12 meetings.
- Sergio Aguero has scored nine goals in his last eight Premier League appearances.
Man to watch out
Much is expected from City's big money signing Raheem Sterling who performed reasonably well against the top three last season and will be raring to show that he is worth all the hype.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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