Chelsea v Man City

Some would say that Chelsea had a break in midweek as they meandered their way to a 0-0 draw against Copenhagen that was sufficent to see them safely into the quarter finals of the Champions League. Man City were certainly a long way from cruise control two nights later as they forlornly tried to overhaul a two goal deficit to Dynamo Kiev in the Europa League; a task made nigh on impossible by the senseless behaviour of Balotelli , who saw red.

Both managers will have had an eye on this crucial fixture for a little while. Chelsea, 12 points behind leaders Man Utd with two games in hand are regarded as 7/1 shots for the title now. City are two points ahead of today’s opponents, having played a game more, but are rated as 33/1 shots for the league. These odds will be flipped on their head if the away team repeat their 4-2 triumph of last season at Stamford Bridge - a City win is available at 5/1. In their favour, as always, is Carlos Tevez, who’s scored six times in his last five league games against Chelsea. But this is where the optimism begins and ends for City in my opinion; Chelsea have all the momentum.

Ancelotti can finally lay claim to the form team at the top end of the table. The 2-1 win against Man Utd was crucial but they avoided any slip-ups in the next game at the potentially hazardous Bloomfield Road. John Terry will be on a high after being restored as England captain and central defensive partner Alex is expected to make his long awaited return from injury this afternoon too. This, combined with Man City’s poor away form, makes me think Chelsea should be the only team to score in this match - an 11/8 shot with bet365.