Roberto Mancini hopes for Champions League backlash

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has told his team to play without fear in Monday's showdown with Chelsea.

City have been dominant in the Premier League so far this season but Mancini saw his side crash out of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.

However, the 47-year old manager is hoping for a reaction and the type of performance that saw City beat Tottenham 5-1 at White Hart Lane and Manchester United 6-1 at Old Trafford.

"I think it is good to play this game, it is an important game against a top team," said Mancini.

"But if we want to win at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea we must play a strong game. I think we should do well, like when we played against Tottenham.

"Chelsea are a fantastic team. They have important players and are experienced."

City are currently five points clear at the top of the Premier League, having only dropped four points so far this season.