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Preview: Manchester City vs. Chelsea

Sports Mole previews the match between Premier League champions Manchester City and current leaders Chelsea.

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has revealed that midfielder Frank Lampard will be involved against his former club on Sunday afternoon.

The 36-year-old has played just 45 minutes for the Premier League champions, but Pellegrini could include him from the start on Chelsea's visit to the Etihad Stadium.

Defender Pablo Zabaleta will return after his suspension in the Champions League, Jesus Navas could get the nod over Samir Nasri, while Sergio Aguero is likely to replace Edin Dzeko in attack.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho admitted at his pre-match press conference that striker Diego Costa is struggling with a hamstring problem but that the Spain international would be recalled to the starting lineup.

The return of Costa is likely to be one of a number of changes made by Mourinho, with Cesar Azpilicueta likely to replace Filipe Luis and Andre Schurrle in contention to partner Ramires and Eden Hazard in an attacking-midfield three behind Costa.

Chelsea currently hold a 100% record in the Premier League with their one blemish coming against Schalke 04 in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.

Recent form

Manchester City: WWLDL

Chelsea: WWWWD

Possible starting lineups

Manchester City: Hart; Zabaleta, Kompany, Demichelis, Clichy; Fernandinho, Lampard; Navas, Silva, Toure; Aguero

Chelsea: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Matic, Fabregas; Schurrle, Ramires, Hazard; Costa

Sports Mole says: 1-1


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The Chelsea team pose for the cameras prior to kickoff the UEFA Champions League Group G match between Chelsea and FC Schalke 04 on September 17, 2014
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2Liverpool34228475344174
3Manchester CityMan City32227376324473
4Aston Villa34206871502166
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs32186865491660
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd33165125150153
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle331551369541550
8West Ham UnitedWest Ham34139125463-948
9Chelsea32138116157447
10Bournemouth34129134960-1145
11Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton321111105250244
12Wolverhampton WanderersWolves34127154654-843
13Fulham34126165054-442
14Crystal Palace34109154456-1239
15Brentford3498175259-735
16Everton34118153648-1233
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3479184260-1826
18Luton TownLuton3467214775-2825
19Burnley3458213769-3223
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd3437243392-5916


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