First Big Test? Man City v Chelsea Preview

The popular media opinion is that we’ve had it “easy” so far this season whilst others could say that we can only beat what’s put in front of us (in any case, which title chasing clubs have had it really difficult?). There can be no doubt, however, that tomorrow’s early kick-off at Maine Ro…the City of Manchester stadium should provide us with a real litmus test.

This “test” will probably be a bit more difficult than first imagined with the continuing absence of Lampard and a few injuries picked up during the week leaving us slightly more thin on the ground than usual - although this does give an opportunity for new signing Ramires to impress again.

Both Benayoun and Kalou pulled-up during the midweek match against the Geordies but Terry will start after getting in some valuable playing time in the same match after suffering from bruised ribs.

Ancelotti has already named the side for tomorrow:

Cech; Ivanovic, Alex, Terry, Cole; Essien, Ramires, Mikel; Malouda, Drogba, and Anelka.

Mancini also has a few reasons to scratch his head when naming his team – apparently he has just three first-team defenders fit and the rumour is that James Milner could end up playing at left-back.

Lescott, Adebayor, Balotelli, Boateng and Kolarov are all confirmed out injured.

Man City did the double over us last season including a thorough pasting received at Stamford Bridge, so tomorrow’s game represents a chance to restore some pride as well as increasing the gap at the top.

Much has been said of Man City's “expensively-assembled squad” although it is worth bearing in mind that whilst they have signed quality players, some might not have featured on Mancini´s radar at all – a Champion´s League top 4 finish last season would have probably resulted in “top, top” players catching flights to Manchester in the summer.

I wonder if any of our kids will get a chance from the bench tomorrow?  Tiredness or a picked-up knock could give McEachran another chance to shine as he did on Wednesday night.

Should be an interesting game…

Manchester City possible line-up: Hart; Zabaleta, K Toure, Kompany, Milner; Y Toure, De Jong, Barry; Johnson, Tévez, Silva

Referee: Andre Marriner