Preview: Chelsea vs. Manchester City

Some have suggested that this Sunday's encounter is between the two clubs likely to challenge for the Premier League title this season - Chelsea and Manchester City.

Despite their prospects for the campaign, Blues boss Jose Mourinho has played down the importance of the contest at Stamford Bridge this early in the season.

However, with just one point between them in the league table, either side can put pressure on leaders Arsenal if they grab all three points this weekend.

Despite both clubs being tipped to challenge for the title, neither side has dominated the league from their first eight matches of the campaign, with Chelsea and City sharing the top four with Arsenal and Liverpool.

Mourinho's men can grab their third-straight win in the league if they defeat City on home turf, while Manuel Pellegrini could guide his side to second above Liverpool and Chelsea with three points.

This fixture last season produced a goal-fest at Stamford Bridge, with City clinching the match 5-3, but both clubs were under the leadership of different managers at the time.

Chelsea are expected to welcome back Ashley Cole into the fold following three weeks out with a rib injury, while City remain without captain Vincent Kompany as the defender continues to recover from a thigh problem.

Recent form

Chelsea: DLWDWW

Manchester City: WDWLWW

Possible starting lineups

Chelsea: Cech; Ivanovic, Luiz, Terry, Cole; Ramires, Lampard; Willian, Mata, Hazard; Torres

Manchester City: Hart; Richards, Garcia, Nastasic, Clichy; Toure, Fernandinho; Nasri, Aguero, Silva; Negredo

Sports Mole says: 2-1