Team News & analysis
The ex-Liverpool boss will make his managerial debut under Roman Abramovich without influential skipper John Terry and playmaker Frank Lampard. Both players are still injured. All eyes will be on Fernando Torres who started on the bench in Chelsea’s heavy loss to Juventus in midweek. Rumours claim that the Spaniard played a part in Rafael Benitez’s arrival at the Bridge.
Torres spent his best years at Anfield and the reunion with Rafa may help him find back his power in front of goal. He is likely to be deployed as a lone striker against Manchester City as Daniel Sturridge remains a doubt.
Roberto Mancini is also facing problems to name his preferred starting XI. Gael Clichy may not be available just like Vincent Kompany. The latter finished Wednesday’s loss against Real Madrid on crutches. Manchester City are still struggling to digest their UEFA Champions League exit.
However, the season continues and there is domestic glory at stake. In the English Premier League, they are particularly strong with an unbeaten record so far. They enter Sunday’s encounter in second position following Manchester United’s comeback victory at home to Queens Park Rangers. Only a win at Stamford Bridge would see them reclaim the top spot at the end of Matchday 13.
Chelsea have dropped out from the automatic Champions League qualification zone as West Bromwich Albion maintained their stunning form with a resounding victory away to Sunderland on Saturday. The EPL is gradually reaching its half-way point and Chelsea want to overcome misfortune along the road.
The Blues have not won a league match in a while. Sunday’s home battle against Manchester City stands like a final in Rafael Benitez’s debut at the club. The former Liverpool boss has an uphill task: he must gain control of the dressing room and win over Chelsea fans - most of whom are still crying over the sacking of beloved FA Cup and Champions League winning manager Roberto Di Matteo.
Facts
• Manchester City have played each of their last four fixtures in all competitions on home soil.
• Chelsea have won only once in their last five matches in all competitions.
• The last time Chelsea beat Manchester City was in December last year.
• Manchester City have the upper hand in terms of head-to-head with four victories over Chelsea in six meetings since February 2010.
• Manchester City are yet to lose in the English Premier League this season.
• Manchester City failed to score in their most recent away fixture. It was against West Ham. The match ended goalless.
• Chelsea have not won in the English Premier League since the beginning of the month.
Chelsea’s last four matches
November 7, 2012: Chelsea 3-2 Shakhtar Donetsk (UCL)
November 11, 2012: Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool (EPL)
November 17, 2012: West Brom 2-1 Chelsea (EPL)
November 20, 2012: Juventus 3-0 Chelsea (UCL)
Manchester City’s last four matches
November 6, 2012: Manchester City 2-2 Ajax (UCL)
November 11, 2012: Manchester City 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur (EPL)
November 17, 2012: Manchester City 5-0 Aston Villa (EPL)
November 21, 2012: Manchester City 1-1 Real Madrid (UCL)
Head-to-head – Last five matches
September 25, 2010: Manchester City 1-0 Chelsea (EPL)
March 20, 2011: Chelsea 2-0 Manchester City (EPL)
December 12, 2011: Chelsea 2-1 Manchester City (EPL)
March 21, 2012: Manchester City 2-1 Chelsea (EPL)
August 12, 2012: Chelsea 2-3 Manchester City (FA Community Shield)
Table
| POS. | TEAM | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | D | P | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PREMIER LEAGUE 2012/2013 | ||||||||||
| 1 | Manchester United | 13 | 10 | 0 | 3 | 32 | 18 | +14 | 30 | |
| 2 | Manchester City | 12 | 8 | 4 | 0 | 25 | 10 | +15 | 28 | |
| 3 |  |
West Bromwich Albion | 13 | 8 | 2 | 3 | 23 | 15 | +8 | 26 |
| 4 |  |
Chelsea | 12 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 24 | 13 | +11 | 24 |
| 5 | |
Everton | 13 | 5 | 6 | 2 | 23 | 17 | +6 | 21 |
| 6 | |
Arsenal | 13 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 23 | 13 | +10 | 20 |
Prediction
Result: Chelsea 2-1 Manchester City
