Preview: Manchester City vs. Chelsea

The two favourites for the Premier League title meet in a blockbuster Premier League fixture on Monday night as Manchester City take on Chelsea.

City entered the 24th round of fixtures as the league leaders, but must beat the Blues if they are to regain top spot following Arsenal's victory over Crystal Palace.

Manager Manuel Pellegrini was dealt a big blow last week when Argentinian striker Sergio Aguero was ruled out for a month with a hamstring strain.

Edin Dzeko and Alvaro Negredo will lead the line as City aim to maintain their 100% home league record this season and win their ninth consecutive game.

The Citizens face a Chelsea side also on a good run of form. Jose Mourinho's team have gone eight matches unbeaten, winning six of those to come within three points of City.

When these two sides last met back in October, it was Chelsea who won the game in the dying moments through Fernando Torres after a defensive mix-up from City.

Torres is Mourinho's only real injury concern this time around and is definitely out of the squad, with Samuel Eto'o likely to lead the line.

January signing Nemanja Matic could make his full Chelsea debut if Mourinho opts for a more defensive 4-3-3 formation, instead of his usual 4-2-3-1 system.

Recent form

City: WWWWWW

Chelsea: DWWWWW

Possible starting lineups

City: Hart; Zabaleta, Kompany, Demichelis, Clichy; Navas, Toure, Fernandinho, Silva; Dzeko, Negredo

Chelsea: Cech; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Lampard, Ramires; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Eto'o

Sports Mole says: 2-1